CONFERENCE: MIDWEEK ROUND-UP

DAGGERS CUT DOWN FOREST TO GO TOP

After narrowly missing out on promotion 15 months ago, the last Nationwide Conference campaign was something of a disappointment for Dagenham & Redbridge, but they have started the 2004/05 season in determined fashion, taking maximum points from their first two games.

The Daggers scored three second-half goals against Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday night, in what was the most impressive result of the evening, particularly considering the fact that the home side had led early on.

Chris Moore scored twice for the visitors, who beat Stevenage Borough 3-1 on Saturday, while Lee Flynn and Glen Southam knocked in the other goals.

Level on points with Dagenham & Redbridge at the top are Accrington Stanley and Aldershot, who also picked up three points apiece on their travels; Stanley beating Morecambe 2-1 and The Shots earning a 1-0 win at Stevenage.

The Accrington boss John Coleman was full of praise for his summer signing Ian Craney, whose superb solo effort was the highlight of the Lancashire side's display.

"People might be surprised at Craney's goal, but nobody in the changing room is We have seen him do it in training in the last five weeks," said Coleman. "He scored one like that against Stanley for Altrincham. I am sure it won't be the last goal he scores like that. That's why I signed him."

Coleman added: "It was a very spirited performance. The lads stuck to the letter of the law on how we planned to play. And maybe we should have nicked a couple more goals in the second half."

There was finally something to celebrate for York City, who opened their Nationwide Conference account with a 2-0 home triumph over Tamworth - their first victory since January.

Meanwhile, newcomers Canvey Island and Crawley Town both hosted their first Conference games, and both earned a point with 1-1 draws against Gravesend & Northfleet and Hereford respectively.

Halifax got the ball rolling at The Shay with a 2-1 win over Scarborough, while there were some entertaining matches at Northwich and Woking; Victoria drawing 2-2 with Carlisle and The Cards sharing the spoils from a six-goal thriller against Exeter, who scored in injury time to deny Woking their first victory of the season.

Honours were also even in the games between Farnborough and Barnet, and Burton Albion and Leigh RMI, none of whom could manage a goal on the night.