Dagenham & Redbridge defender Kenny Clark insists they have a real belief in the squad now which is helping them pick up results as they slowly climb up the National League table.

Daggers moved up to 14th just five points off the play-offs after sealing a 1-0 win over title chasing Torquay United at the weekend.

They now head into a busy Easter weekend where they make the trip to second-placed Hartlepool United on Good Friday (1pm) before then hosting Aldershot Town on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm) as they look to make up ground on teams in the top half of the table.

“The last six to eight weeks I think we’ve been turning the corner, we keep saying it and have been for a while, but we are turning that corner and that togetherness has really started growing,” the 32-year-old said.

“That is a credit to everyone that has got a shirt and took their opportunity, but everyone is fighting for each other, not just at the back.

“There is a real belief and desire in the group now, which I think wasn’t there at the beginning of the season.”

The experienced defender also revealed how reassuring it is to have a goalkeeper as good as Elliott Justham behind them.

“That’s what he is there for. I love playing with El, we’ve got to do our job in front, but if we do end up making a mistake or someone does get in behind it’s fantastic to know that he is behind you as nine times out of 10 he is going to save it,” he added.

The former Ebbsfleet United man also wants to get one back on the Pools after suffering a narrow 1-0 to them just last week thanks to a set-piece, despite a good performance from Daryl McMahon’s men.

“100 per cent I think we went toe-to-toe with Hartlepool. It was one set-piece which they scored from so credit to them, but I think we matched them all over the park," said Clark.

“I’m looking forward to going to Hartlepool and hopefully getting one back over on them.”