DAGGERS hitman Paul Benson has stayed loyal to the club over the summer, and he showed his worth by sealing an opening day win over Crewe Alexandra.

He opened his account for the new season in the 74th minute when he powered his way through two defenders and rounded Crewe keeper David Button to slot home from close range.

Dagenham and Redbridge looked to have dealt well with the loss of three key players to Brentford and Saturday's result should give boss John Still and the fans reasons to be cheerful about the campaign ahead.

Earlier, in the 43rd minute, Jon Nurse had given Dagenham the lead with a stunning 35 yard volley which looped over Button into the middle of the net.

Afterwards, boss John Still said: “I didn't think we would come here and play this well, but I knew that we had organisation and fitness in us.

"Crewe are a big strong side, but I thought we defended well and our back four were outstanding.

"One thing we have been able to do here is score goals, and we have to continue to do that."

The first match of the new season saw new-boys Danny Green, Stuart Thurgood, Will Antwi, and Scott Doe all start.

Later in the game, Nurse limped off to be replaced by Abu Agogo.