Dagenham & Redbridge 2
Chesterfield 1
(League Two)

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE confirmed their position as promotion candidates thanks to a stunning goal from Paul Benson, as John Still's men saw off the challenge of Chesterfield.

Benson's brilliant volley made it 2-0 for the Daggers after defender Will Antwi headed the home team in front midway through the first half.

The Victoria Road side move into second place in the table, just behind Bournemouth, after their fifth win of the season.

The game started at lightning pace, with both sides having great chances to score inside the first 90 seconds.

First, Dagenham explored the left channel straight from the kick-off. Scott Griffiths' long throw found the head of Benson, and he, in turn, found strike partner Josh Scott. With his back to goal it looked like danger had passed for Chesterfield, but the big forward twisted his body and connected with an overhead kick that evaded the dive of Tommy Lee but not the far post.

Chesterfield's captain Ian Breckin then had the luxury of a free header in the opposing box, but he could only find the outstretched arms of Tony Roberts in the Daggers' goal.

Dagenham enjoyed the majority of the ball in the early stages, but it was the visitors who looked more threatening going forward. Left back Jamie Lowry and frontman Wade Small exchanged a series of passes down the hosts' right flank in a move that ended with the striker smashing his effort high and wide of the goal.

The Daggers didn't take long to find the sort of form that has seen them rise to the top of League Two, however. The first warning sign for Chesterfield came from the boot of Griffiths, but Lee was up to the challenge. The keeper was at fault seven minutes later, though, as a deep corner from the impressive Danny Green found Benson lurking at the back post. He looped a header back into the danger area and Antwi was on hand to flick the ball over the advancing Lee for the lead.

Scott was a constant threat for the home side, bullying the defensive pair of Kevin Austin and Breckin in the long ball, and bringing his team-mates into play, encouraging wave after wave of attack.

The visitors would have been glad to reach half-time without any more damage. But the respite lasted just 15 minutes, as Still's men emerged after the break scenting blood.

It took them just two minutes to double their lead, and they did it in breathtaking fashion. Scott Doe's lofted ball forward should have been comfortably dealt with by Austin, but the centre-back inexplicably tried to nod the ball back towards his keeper. It was a fatal mistake, as the ball landed squarely on the chest of Benson, who swivelled and unleashed an unstoppable volley into the top corner.

Chesterfield threw numbers forward in search of a goal, but they were met by stubborn resistance.

Griffiths and Jon Nurse saw vicious shots fly inches wide of the upright as Daggers started to play with a swagger.

However, just when the game looked up for the away side, substitute Donal McDermott gave his side hope with a superb 25-yard strike that Roberts was unable to prevent finding the top corner. It was to prove too little too late for the visitors, as Dagenham held on for all three points.