Halfway through but not exactly halfway there, another defeat has left the Daggers in limbo.

Ben Strevens’ side now sit two points above the National League relegation zone with last Saturday seeing a torrid run of home form continue, extending to five straight defeats at Victoria Road. 

It wasn’t for a lack of trying, but questions of quality remain as Wealdstone got the better of the Daggers with clinical finishing in the final third. The Stones’ first away victory of the season, it was not the winless streak Strevens’ side wanted to end.

The table is certainly beginning to take shape with gaps appearing, the play-offs now a distant fantasy.

It’s the festive period where fixtures come thick and fast, an opportunity for a quick run of results to turn a corner as we head into the new year, however it has to be said there is little of that optimism about Victoria Road at present. 

The news that dominated the club last week was the departure of Myles Weston. 

The 34-year-old has been a good servant for the club, providing a creative outlet and a rare consistency over the past three years. However, Bromley came calling and it seems to have made sense to let him leave the club at this stage in his career. 

This situation has been clarified by Strevens as being the ‘external factors’ he vaguely spoke of in his post-match interview following the FA Trophy exit to Peterborough Sports. Whilst the clarification is welcome, and the departure for the large part understandable, what leaves supporters concerned is the lack of a replacement. 

There appears to be no early Christmas present on the horizon, although the Daggers manager said they would be keeping an eye out on a replacement for the winger. Therefore, to go into Christmas Day with something to cheer about hopes are to be pinned on a victory at AFC Fylde. 

The Coasters sit at the foot of the table, although Dagenham & Redbridge are in no place to be complacent or expectant of victory, and it remains a must-win to relieve pressure on Strevens and put valuable points on the board. 

The board and owners will hopefully back their manager to find a suitable replacement for Weston and will no doubt show patience in deciding the future of the man in the dugout. However, it is safe to say that patience is wearing thin. 

Hopefully the Daggers can continue a good away record at Fylde before returning to Victoria Road to host play-off hopefuls and Strevens’ old side, Eastleigh, on Boxing Day.

The latter is certainly a tougher test where a result would be huge in ending the dreadful home form and finishing 2023 on something of a high. 

It’s another big week for Dagenham & Redbridge and Strevens as the pressure continues to grow. Until next week, Merry Christmas and Come On You Daggers!