The Opposition View: Dagenham & Redbridge

Last updated : 10 February 2015 By Jim Bonner

What is the assessment of your season so far and how hopeful are you of avoiding relegation?

It's been a bit of a shambles at times but we are just starting to show signs of sorting out both ends of the pitch at the same time. It's either been a leaky defence or fruitless attack at different points this season. I feel we have a strong and settled spine now which has been key to recent results. We should stay up.

What was your opinion on Patrick Agyemang when he was on loan at your club?

He was a pile of rubbish. We pretty much lost every game he started in I think. His hold up play wasn't great, he was not a threat in the slightest and stifled the speed of our play in anything. I was furious he got into our team ahead of one or two others. 

How is Liam O'Brien getting on these days?

He's a bit rubbish truth be told. He's not a league 2 standard goalkeeper if I'm being honest. I can't see him ever being our number 1 here and I imagine a Non League career follows. 

Who are the key players in the current Dagenham squad?

Jamie Cureton's movement is imperative to our attack whilst Ayo Obileye and Scott Doe have formed a very solid centre back partnership. 

What are your team's strengths and weaknesses?

This seems to have changed throughout the season. Our strength is that I think we're difficult to break down whilst having a player in Cureton who can just grab a goal down the other end. Weaknesses in particular would be defending set-pieces and sometimes being a tad ran over in the middle of the pitch. 

Are there any particular players in the Portsmouth squad that give you cause for concern?

I rate Jack Whatmough very highly so it will be interesting to see how he handles a player of Cureton's experience. Beyond that, Tubbs is obviously a good scorer at this level and Danny Hollands has always appeared to be a good player. Knowing our luck, Patrick Agyemang will score against us!

Are you surprised that Pompey find themselves in a relegation battle given the players in their squad?

A little but I don't think your squad is that strong when I look at the top few clubs. I'm surprised that you've struggled so much away from home. I think you'll do enough to avoid the real gritty end of the relegation battle mind. 

What is there to do for the early arriver at Dagenham?

My advice would be to not visit early! If you do, go via Romford as there are a few nice little pubs before hopping on the bus to Dagenham. 

What kind of match can we expect on the night?

It depends whether we get overawed by the name 'Portsmouth' like we have on a few previous occasions. If it goes to the form book, we've upped it a bit recently whilst your away form isn't great. But I never like to stick my neck out when it comes to us. We're consistently inconsistent. 

Predict the outcome of the game.

I'll go for a 1-1 draw which I suppose both teams wouldn't sniff at.