DAGENHAM & Redbridge trail by two goals at half-time to one of the favourites for the League One title.
The Daggers could hardly have asked for a tougher opening fixture in their first season in the third tier of English football.
And they did not do themselves any favours, as two sloppy defensive errors cost them dear in the first half.
The opening exchanges were encouraging for the visitors, with very little to pick between the teams. But that quickly changed when Scott Doe inadvertently turned Giles Coke's header from a corner past Tony Roberts on 12 minutes.
If that was a wake-up call, it wasn't heeded, as just a minute later they were pinned against the ropes by another strike, this one a clinical finish from a striker with Premier League pedigree, Clinton Morrison.
However, the move began with right-back Abu Ogogo needlessly giving away possession in his own half. The ball was quickly shifted to Gary Teale, and he swung a dangerous ball into the box that was not dealt with. It fell for Morrison in the six yard area and the former Crystal Palace man swivelled expertly before burying his shot low past Roberts.
Romain Vincelot came close with a dipping volley, before Roberts had to be at his acrobatic best to keep Marcus Tudgay at bay – the striker's header was destined for the top corner but the Daggers' number one leapt across to tip the ball over.
The Daggers rallied well in the second quarter of the game and could have got themselves back in the contest, but Vincelot's prodded effort dribbled just wide of the post.
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