The Chigwell Construction Stadium hosts a crucial National League clash between Dagenham & Redbridge and Maidenhead United, a match with huge implications for both clubs as they battle to avoid relegation.
Dagenham & Redbridge are showing signs of life, unbeaten in their last two matches. They drew 1-1 with Sutton United and 0-0 with Aldershot Town, having previously lost to Barnet (1-0) and Tamworth (3-1). A vital 1-0 away win against FC Halifax Town before this difficult spell demonstrates their potential. They have also scored in each of their last three games.
Maidenhead United, meanwhile, travel to East London desperate for a positive result. They are winless in their last two, drawing 1-1 with Rochdale and losing 1-0 to Aldershot Town. Prior to this, their form was mixed: a 2-0 win against Gateshead and a 1-0 home defeat to Sutton United, either side of a thrilling 3-3 draw with Braintree Town. They’ve only scored in one of their last two matches.
Historically, this fixture has been closely contested. Over the past three seasons, the two sides have met six times, with Dagenham & Redbridge edging the head-to-head record with three wins to Maidenhead United’s two, and one draw. The Daggers have also been the more prolific side in these encounters, scoring eight goals compared to Maidenhead’s five. Earlier this season, the two sides drew 1-1, James Golding scoring for Maidenhead before Josh Umerah equalised for Dagenham. Last season saw a 1-0 Maidenhead victory and a 4-1 win for Dagenham.
Dagenham & Redbridge currently sit 20th in the National League table with 40 points from 39 games, while Maidenhead United are 23rd with 38 points, also from 39 games. Crucially, the Daggers’ goal difference of -7 is significantly better than Maidenhead’s -26.
A win for Dagenham & Redbridge would create valuable breathing space above the relegation zone, boosting confidence and momentum. Defeat, however, would drag them closer to the drop. For Maidenhead United, three points are essential. A win could see them overtake their opponents and potentially climb out of the relegation places, while a loss would be a severe blow to their survival hopes. A draw helps neither side in their precarious positions.