DAGENHAM & Redbridge striker Paul Benson paid tribute to the 13,000 fans that made the trip to Wembley to cheer the team on to the greatest achievement in their history.

Dagenham were promoted to League One after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Rotherham in the League Two play-off final at Wembley, and Benson believes the result is as much down to the club's adoring fans as the players that made the dream a reality.

“They made the difference. It could have so easily gone the other way when we went in front and they pegged us back. They could have gone into our shells but they actually got louder and that inspired us and drove us on,” said Benson. “We knew we were attacking to their end and they played a massive part, as big a part as any of the players.”

It was Benson who scored that opening goal with a beautifully-taken finish, killing the ball instantly and instinctively curling the ball inside the far post.

Rotherham came straight back, however, and scored through Ryan Taylor just a minute later. But the Daggers' contingent refused to be silenced, spurring their side on to a momentous triumph.

Danny Green got Dagenham's second goal ten minutes after the break, rifling an unstoppable shot into the far corner from the right edge of the area. Rotherham would not lie down, though, and Taylor struck again soon after to level the tie once again.

There was to be no third comeback, as Jon Nurse's deflected effort from a 70th minute corner was enough to propel the club in to League One, where they will meet the likes of Charlton, Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton next season.

Benson admitted it was an incredible feeling to score at Wembley on such a big occasion. “It was an amazing feeling. It was just instinctive. I was really pleased because that's what my game is about, instinctive in the box and get your shot off. Luckily for me it rolled into the bottom corner.

“I was delighted with it. I think it had to go in the corner because their keeper was having a blinder, he was saving everything.”

Speaking of the victory, he added: “It's unbelievable. It means a hell of a lot.”