DAGENHAM and Redbridge head in to the Christmas period in brighter spirits after they gave themselves a much-needed shot in the arm with a 2-0 victory at promotion-chasing Carlisle on Saturday.

The Daggers remain entrenched in the League One relegation zone, but late goals from Medy Elito and Danny Green at the weekend has ensured they are just about in touch with the cluster of teams battling to keep their heads above water.

The result will be a welcome boost for manager John Still ahead of two tricky home encounters either side of Christmas.

First up is the visit of another of League One's high-fliers, Peterborough.

Posh sit just outside the play-off positions, although they have lost five of their nine matches on the road this season; a statistic that will give the Daggers hope they can spring another surprise.

That game will be followed by an even tougher assignment against top dogs Brighton on Boxing Day.

Dagenham are four points adrift of Bristol Rovers, Tranmere, Notts County and Rochdale, who are all battling to avoid the clutches of relegation.

Still will certainly take heart from the team's last outing when Elito nipped in at the near post with eight minutes to play to give the visitors the lead.

The game was made safe when winger Green drilled in a shot from just inside the box, earning the Daggers their second away win of the campaign.