It was a frustrating night two weeks ago in Barnet, a defeat that now leaves the Daggers just three points above the drop zone, knowing they have to get it right this week to avoid being dragged into the relegation fight at the back end of the season. 

Three fixtures within these next seven days could well drastically alter the course of Ben Strevens’ team’s season, including a double-header at Victoria Road against two sides also desperate to navigate their escape from a relegation scrap. 

The first test comes in a visit to a high-flying Solihull Moors who currently occupy fourth place, with four wins in their last five matches.

Their latest success came in the FA Trophy, and there has been a notable absence of the Daggers on the pitch this month due to being knocked out of every cup competition, besides the Essex Senior Cup which they exited on Monday.

Another exit this week saw Charley Kendall recalled by Lincoln City from his loan and then signed by fellow National League strugglers Woking.

The feeling on his departure was gratitude but not much disappointment. This reaction comes from the stats during his time at the club, with just one goal in 20 games, it’s clear we were unable to get the best out of him. 

However, that does leave the Daggers once more light on numbers up top, with Freddie Sears and Inih Effiong the only options for Saturday’s game.

There is a real need for them to find some form, or for Strevens to get someone in, but that would not be a significant acquisition you’d imagine, given the current situation with the ownership at the club. 

The likely absence of Ryan Hill through injury this weekend also leaves the Daggers lacking real creativity in that attacking department, but perhaps it’s a chance for Shiloh Remy to prove himself in the final third. 

There are however positives in the return of many defensive players from injury and it’ll have to be an exceptional defensive display to nullify the Solihull attack, which Strevens himself has praised in the lead up to the game. 

There seems to be an acceptance of the current situation around the club and a change of expectations to first survival and then reaching as close to mid-table as possible.

Therefore, next week is crucial as Dorking and Kidderminster visit Victoria Road with an opportunity to drag the Daggers into a real relegation scrap. 

These are two very winnable games, but equally both opponents may look at Dagenham’s home record and recent form with a feeling they could get something out of it - setting up two enticing encounters. 

That’s the short-term focus on the pitch set, as off the pitch changes remain the significant backdrop, with no updates on the potential new investors as yet.

It can be unnerving, considering what has happened at the club in the recent past, but this feels a very different moment from then with the current owners seeming to be acting in the best interest of the club going forward. 

Let’s see what this pivotal next week brings. Come On You Daggers!