DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE were denied an impressive draw against Premier League outfit Birmingham City by a late Marcus Bent goal in their friendly at Victoria Road on Wednesday.

Paul Benson, who ended weeks of speculation about his future by putting pen to paper on a new three-year deal this week, was partnered up front with Graeme Montgomery, while Stuart Thurgood was given a starting role in midfield.

New signings Will Antwi and Danny Green were also handed chances to impress against a full-strength Birmingham side.

Montgomery caught the eye with a well-struck effort that forced a good save out of Maik Taylor, but he should have put the Daggers ahead as he found himself one-on-one with the keeper, only for Taylor to deny him.

Scott Doe did well to get in the way of a Gary McSheffrey strike that looked destined for goal. Green then showed why manager John Still has put faith in him and brought him up from the lower leagues when he jinked his way down the wing before unleashing a fierce shot that narrowly sailed over the upright.

Tony Roberts in the hosts' goal denied Keith Fahey but he couldn't stop the Blues from taking the lead through substitute Bent.

A long ball over the top deflected into the striker's path via James McFadden and he rifled the ball into the net with a first-time shot.

Daggers' sub Josh Scott almost levelled for the home side but he failed to make solid contact with a header from Green's pinpoint cross.