DAGENHAM endured another difficult away trip on Saturday as they failed to put a point on the board at South Woodham Ferrers.

LONDON THREE NE

South Woodham Ferrers 16

Dagenham 0

DAGENHAM endured another difficult away trip on Saturday as they failed to put a point on the board at South Woodham Ferrers.

Last weekend's bruising win over Upminster played its part, as D's were without a number of players, but they started confidently, until losing influential prop Stewart Ali.

Tom Warwick stepped up from the second row and had a fine game in a fairly unaccustomed position, but it was a blow to lose Ali, who has been in great form of late.

Dagenham enjoyed plenty of possession, but play broke down following a set-piece.

South Woodham have undoubtedly got one of the most talented back-lines in the league, and they showed flashes of brilliance, but it took two well-struck penalties to move them 6-0 ahead at half time.

For the most part, the second half was contested in midfield as the heavy pitch didn't help either side.

D's had a couple of half chances, but too often coughed up the ball in contact and allowed the home side to clear.

Midway through the half, it was 9-0 thanks to another penalty, and although the visitors continued to fight for everything, a poor scrum was turned and the Ferrers number eight crashed over from close range.