Big Match Review - Swindon 1 Dagenham 1

Swindon Town 1-1 Dagenham & Redbridge

Saturday March 12, County Ground (Att: 7,864)

A late goal from Jon Nurse prevented relegation-threatened Swindon Town from gaining their first win under Paul Hart as Dagenham & Redbridge continued their own quest against the drop.

Chances were at a premium early on, with the home side's best effort coming from David Prutton who saw Tony Roberts block his attempt after being put through by Mike Grella.

The Londoners went close, too, as Grella was called into action at the other end of the field to block a shot from Danny Green.

The Robins took the lead just before the interval as Grella ran onto a long kick forward from Smith and held off the attention of Abu Ogogo to lob the ball over Roberts and into the net.

Dagenham pressed for a leveller in the second period with Smith being forced into saves from Nurse and Bas Savage.

Hart's men then almost sealed the points when Roberts tipped wide a shot from Matt Ritchie and, from the resulting corner, the visitors had to clear a Scott Cuthbert header off the line.

However, Town were to be denied a vital three points with just seven minutes remaining. They failed to clear a long throw and, when the ball was put back into the box, Nurse deflected the ball past Smith with his head.

The Wiltshire side were frustrated late on, feeling they should have been awarded a penalty, but were forced to settle for a draw.

It ensured the Daggers remain outside the drop zone on goal difference. Swindon, while still deep in trouble, can at least console themselves with having moved off the bottom.

Big Match Preview - Swindon vs. Dagenham

Swindon Town vs. Dagenham & Redbridge

Saturday March 12, 15:00, County Ground

Two teams desperately scrapping for survival in League One meet in a crucial six-pointer this weekend as Dagenham & Redbridge make the trip to face Swindon Town.

Just three points currently separate the two sides with Swindon propping up the rest of the division and the Daggers just outside the bottom four on goal difference alone.

The East Londoners, in their first ever year at this level, have found the step up a struggle, but a recent revival has given them a great chance of beating the drop.

Four wins and two draws from their last eight matches have lifted John Still's men from rock bottom to 20th though.

With Dagenham still holding at least three games in hand over the teams below them, then they have the opportunity to put further distance between themselves and the danger zone.

On the road this term they've recorded four victories - at Yeovil, Carlisle, Hartlepool and secured a 2-0 win in last weekend's crucial fixture against fellow strugglers Bristol Rovers.

However, with nine losses from their 16 away games, Still be aware that just a slight improvement on the road could be the difference between maintaining their place in the third tier and losing it.

Outstanding performers for the Daggers this season include Frenchman Romain Vincelot, their top scorer with ten. Midfielder Danny Green has also chipped in with half a dozen strikes.

New Swindon boss Paul Hart is once again fighting against relegation

Their opponents this weekend have drafted in an experienced football firefighter to aid their own battle against relegation.

After Danny Wilson's resignation, Town have turned to Paul Hart - who successfully kept Crystal Palace in the Championship last term - to help them beat the drop.

It's been a nightmare campaign for the Wiltshire outfit, who have fallen spectacularly after appearing in the League One play off final at Wembley last May.

Hart's first game saw them held to a 0-0 stalemate against relegation rivals Walsall before their midweek loss to another struggler, Plymouth, dumped the Robins to the very bottom.

With a woeful away record, their form at the County Ground looks like it will make or break their survival hopes, so Hart will be desperate to add to their five wins - over Southampton, Huddersfield, Bristol Rovers, Colchester, and Sheffield Wednesday.

After the sale of top scorer Charlie Austin to Burnley, the burden of scoring the goals to keep Town up has fallen on new transfer window signing Elliott Benyon as well as on-loan Leeds striker Mike Grella.

Swindon are badly struggling to find the back of the net though, and they will find themselves in for a tough battle against a typically competitive Dagenham side fighting for their lives.

Much will depend on how the home side react to hitting bottom spot after Tuesday night, and all the prior evidence points to badly. The Daggers revival may well continue.

Nobes' Prediction: Swindon Town 0 Dagenham & Redbridge 1

Big Match Analysis - Dagenham 1 Walsall 1

As part of our series on the state of rearguard play in the Football League, and with Turls away this week, Nobes steps into the breach to analyse the defending from our Big Match.

Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Walsall

Saturday October 16, Victoria Road, (Att: 2,666)

It's the in-vogue thing in football these days. No, I'm not referring to the ridiculous guards of honour of flag waving kids that greet players onto the pitch.

Rather, I'm talking about high scoring, care free, goal crazy matches.

It was a trend continued this weekend: Bury beating Torquay 4-3 and Hereford winning at Northampton by the same scoreline.

Sheffield United and Burnley shared the spoils in a 3-3 draw and Peterborough edged out Swindon in a remarkable 5-4 contest.

There were also 3-2 scorelines in games at Accrington, Macclesfield, Portsmouth, Cardiff, and Bournemouth. The League's gone goal crazy.

Things were a bit more routine at our Big Match this weekend as Walsall travelled to Dagenham & Redbridge. Here's my take on how the defences performed for the goals:

Dagenham & Redbridge 1 Walsall 0

Daggers striker Bas Savage - not nearly as scary as his name - is an awkward customer and does well to shield the ball from his defender on the far right touchline.

It could be argued the Saddlers defender who goes to double up on him leaves a man free on the wing to cross it in.

However, where Walsall really let themselves down is allowing Darren Currie to have the freedom of London to head the ball in. There's no one within five yards of him.

The defence have got sucked towards the ball and left a big hole in the middle. It's a good cross, but you can't allow someone that much time and space.

Also think the keeper, who seemed to get a hand on the ball, could have done better and turned it around the post.

Dagenham & Redbridge 1 Walsall 1

Dagenham out-Dagenham-ed here with a long ball punted forward leading to the equaliser from Walsall.

The ball bounces - always dangerous for a defender - but he allows himself to be out fought for it by Jon Macken.

Now, I know Kevin Keegan once spunked £6 million of Manchester City's money on Macken - and that was in the days they couldn't afford to waste millions. Seriously though, you can't allow yourself to be beaten up by him.

Seeing his pal make a mess of things, the left back comes towards Macken to try and make amends - leaving a nice big gap in behind for the striker to slide the ball onto Devaney - the on-rushing right winger.

Still work to do from here, with two defenders busting a gut to get back. He gets a shot away which seems to squirm under or through keeper Tony Roberts.

True, Roberts probably qualifies for a bus pass he's so old these days. It takes him a while to get to ground probably. However, it's a tame shot to let in. There's not much pace on the ball, and it's not aimed right in the corner.

Conclusion:

Early season form suggests these two could have a long hard winter ahead of them as they battle to avoid the drop into League Two.

It's no surprise to see both sides struggling to keep clean sheets - just one each this term so far.

However, they're going to need to make themselves harder to score past if they're to avoid relegation. Both teams were punished because they lost their defensive shape.

Why? Because players made mistakes and others tried to help them out. While that's natural and right, it means that the whole team needs to cover. Where is the man checking the run of Devaney for Walsall's goal?

Where, too, is the midfielder keeping tabs on Currie's run into the box? It's not like he moves particularly quickly these days.

Both managers can feel aggrieved with their respective team's defending. The happiest person after this result? Me. I predicted the scoreline beforehand - and that so rarely happens that I'm going to make the most of it.

Big Match Review - Dagenham 1 Walsall 1

Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Walsall

Saturday October 16, Victoria Road, (Att: 2,666)

Early season strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge and Walsall were forced to share the points after a tightly fought encounter left both sides in the bottom four.

The Londoners were dominant in the early stages, and it was no surprise when they took the lead on 26 minutes. Veteran Darren Currie getting on the end of a right wing cross to power a near post header past Jonny Brain.

John Still's men almost doubled their advantage before the interval but Danny Green saw his delightfully executed free kick rattle the cross bar and bounce out of harm's way.

Just five minutes into the second period though, and the Saddlers had restored parity.

Jon Macken capitalised on a long ball forward to set up Martin Devaney to slide the ball past Tony Roberts.

The men from the Black Country improved after the break, but they were indebted to David Davis for a goal line clearance from Romain Vincelot's header.

Chris Hutchings's side almost stole maximum spoils in stoppage time when Reuben Reid's shot came back off the post.

It ended all square though, with a point not helping either side much in their quest to get out of trouble.

Big Match Preview

Dagenham & Redbridge vs. Walsall

Saturday October 16, 15:00, Victoria Road

It may be a little too early to call this one a six pointer, but two of League One's early strugglers clash in East London this weekend as Walsall travel to Dagenham & Redbridge.

The two teams are separated only by goal difference as they sit 21st and 20th respectively. Both managers will know the importance of Saturday's game therefore.

For the Daggers - promoted from League Two last term - home form will be key to their hopes of survival in their first ever season in the third tier of English football.

They've made a promising start at Victoria Road, too, with wins against Swindon and Leyton Orient accompanying draws with Tranmere and Exeter.

However, at times, they have shown a difficulty against superior opponents - and a 3-0 home loss to Bristol Rovers is testament to what can happen when the Londoners aren't on their game.

Despite operating with the smallest budget in the division, Dagenham will be hoping long-serving boss John Still is once again able to help them punch above their weight.

One astute acquisition appears to be defender Romain Vincelot, snapped up from France, who has bagged five goals so far and is their leading scorer.

His threat in the air - particularly from the set plays so crucial to the Daggers - will be a main component of Still's men's attacks.

Early struggles have put Walsall's Chris Hutchings under pressure

The visitors will know exactly what to expect as they go in search of a first away win in five.

On the road, the Saddlers have already lost at Hartlepool, Rochdale, and Brighton, but did record a victory at bottom-club Brentford back in August.

After a comfortable mid-table season last term, it's been a surprise early struggle for Walsall - which has put the pressure firmly on boss Chris Hutchings.

Last weekend's win over Exeter in the West Midlands may well have saved the former-Bradford boss his job - but he can't afford a return to losing ways on Saturday.

They have certainly missed the goals of Troy Deeney - sold to Watford at the start of the campaign. Much of the burden has fallen on West Brom loanee Reuben Reid - who has notched four goals to date.

He was recently given funds to boost his squad with the loan signing of Barnsley winger Martin Devaney, and Hutchings will also hope for more from experienced striking duo Darren Byfield and Jon Macken.

It'll be the Walsall defence which may well be the key to a result though. If they can stand up to the aerial bombardment they will face then they will get a result.

It's a game the home side really need to win if they're to stay up, but they may have to settle for a draw in a tight contest.

Nobes' Prediction: Dagenham & Redbridge 1 Walsall 1

Old Heads Still have Moore to give

Ahead of the League Two play-off final, Nobes looks at two older managers who keep going strong.

Dagenham boss John Still has vast experience in the Football and Non Leagues

Football is more fashionable than ever however, football, like fashion, has its trends. Whether it's for certain formations or certain players or for a certain type of manager.

Recently, it's the up-and-coming young managers which have become the 'in-thing' for club chairmen to pursue. You can understand why too - they've been successful.

Promotions in the Football League this season have been achieved by Messrs Di Matteo, Lambert, Grayson, Hill, and Howe - all young managers.

However, the final curtain of the 2009/10 campaign on Sunday is being brought down by two of the older statesmen who've graced technical areas up and down the country this term.

The Dagenham & Redbridge boss, John Still, is 60, and his Rotherham counterpart, Ronnie Moore, is only two years his junior.

Of the permanent managers in the Football League this term, only QPR boss Neil Warnock is older.

It's that experience and years working in the game which have served both managers, in their differing circumstances, so well. It is also part of the reason why they've led their respective clubs to the brink of League One.

Dagenham's success this season has been against all the odds. The East London outfit have one of the smallest budgets in the division and attract some of the smallest crowds.

If football, as so many believe, is determined by wealth and resources, then the Daggers shouldn't be at Wembley this weekend. They have punched above their weight and then some.

Much of the credit for that achievement must go to Still. In a managerial career spanning 30 years, he has cultivated an understanding and knowledge of the Non League circuit working at places like Dartford and Maidstone United.

He expanded his knowledge of the Football League during his time at Peterborough and Barnet. It's been the club he considers as 'his' which have really reaped the benefits of his years of experience though.

Still took Dagenham to the Conference title in 2007, and last season they missed out on the play-offs by a single point. This term they've gone one better.

Using his Non League contacts, he's managed his small budget to construct a side of young, hungry players determined to show that they can cut it in the Football League.

No side works harder, no team has forwards that run more tirelessly, no side has a better team spirit. If Dagenham are a family club, then the players are part of that family - and Still the father.

The decision of top scorer Paul Benson to turn down the advances of big-spending Shrewsbury last summer to stay at Victoria Road was testament to the positive atmosphere around the club.

It's also a sign that the Daggers can survive and prosper at this level through bringing through and nurturing young players from Non League and selling them on for a profit.

Critics can, and will, point to an unattractive long-ball style - but it is an example of the pragmatism which accompanies Still's experience.

Dagenham are not an attractive side to watch but, on their budget, they would struggle to be sign the footballers who could play a fluid and competitive style of play.

Now, the wise old head of Still has led his young team to within 90 minutes of the third tier of English football - and in doing so demolished Morecambe 7-2 over two legs in the play-off semis.

Ronnie Moore could secure his third promotion as Rotherham boss

His rival in the opposite dugout at the national stadium will also be hoping to count on his many years as a manager to help his side over the finishing line though.

Like Still, he has also worked in the Non Leagues - his first job coming at Southport, close to his native Merseyside, in the mid '90s.

However, it wasn't long before he moved to take over as manager of Rotherham, where he enjoyed a successful three seasons as a prolific striker.

His achievement in taking the Millers to successive promotions and into the Championship between 1999 and 2001 confirmed his status as a hero amongst the fans.

On a tight budget he also helped them survive in the second tier and enjoy, against the odds, four successive seasons amongst some of the big guns of English football.

When he returned to the club to replace Mark Robins in September, he also showed wisdom in not changing a winning formula too much. It would have tempting to have put his own stamp on the team - but he has resisted the urge.

No doubts he will also have the good grace, should they go up, to pay tribute to the work that his predecessor - and former player - did before moving across South Yorkshire to Barnsley.

Moore's experience in dealing with tight promotion races and relegation contests has also been important in what was a uniquely close contest for the top seven places in League Two this term.

Indeed, as the Millers hit a rocky patch in the last couple of months and even looked like slipping out of the play-off places, the manager kept his cool and was steadfast in the confidence he had in his team.

That confidence was repaid as Rotherham showed a clinical touch and rock-solid defence in their play-off semi final with Aldershot.

They rose their game for the big occasion as their opponents floundered - winning both matches without conceding.

It would also be fair to say that his bitter experience at Tranmere last term - finishing just outside the play-offs only to be sacked - has acted as motivation not to miss out on a chance for promotion this time.

Whoever emerges with another promotion to add to his CV after Sunday's match though, Still and Moore have shown that experienced managers still have a lot to offer.

League Two Play Off Final: Preview

League Two Play Off Final

Dagenham & Rebridge vs. Rotherham United

Sunday May 30, 15:00, Wembley

Hands up who predicted these two would contest the League Two play-off final all the way back in August? No, I didn't think so.

That's the beauty of the unpredictable nature of football, I suppose. However, here it is - rank outsiders Dagenham against a Rotherham side most people expected to be already promoted. One will be playing in League One next term.

I'd be lying if I said I was a complete neutral on this one. The Daggers are old rivals of the Skyrockets. I can't pretend that I'd be over the moon to see a club no bigger than us competing in the third tier next year.

However, it'd be churlish of me not to recognise what an immense job the wily old John Still has pulled off this season with Dagenham. They came so close to the top seven last season that you felt they'd missed their chance. Not so.

Having said that, you think his greatest concern in training this week would have been whether the Wembley roof will be closed on Sunday. Daggers play the kind of route one game that would make even Sam Allardyce blush.

In some ways, I think it's kind of appropriate. They're from the unfashionable East End of London. This is Steptoe and Son in footballing terms. Jellied Eels replace the half time oranges and the players get into the zone pre-match with a chorus of 'Knees Up Mother Brown.'

Indeed, if Del Boy and Rodney were playing football then you'd fully expect them to be running around like headless chickens waiting to see where the ball would bounce after being launched into space from the back. That's the Dagenham way.

To be fair, it's been the majority of League Two that's been left to look like plonkers though - particularly Morecambe who were thrashed 6-0 in the first leg the semi final.

They've already massively overachieved on their resources and crowds to get here. A squad of young, hungry Non League gems and a smattering of League experience has taken them to the brink of games against Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday next term.

Ironically, their only other play-off campaign - in 2003's Conference - started with a semi final against Morecambe and ended with defeat to a South Yorkshire side - Doncaster - in the final.

Rotherham did the double over Dagenham & Redbridge during the regular season

This time, it's Rotherham United who will provide the Yorkshire opposition. For the Millers, this is their chance to make up for slipping out of the automatic promotion race they expected to triumph in.

It's been a strange campaign for Rotherham. It began with Mark Robins at the helm and expectations high after recovering so well from starting on -17 points the previous campaign.

Those expectations looked likely to be fulfilled after a good start but Robins was poached by neighbours Barnsley. So, United turned to the past for their future.

Back came the popular Ronnie Moore - who took them into the Championship in 2001. To a certain extent though, he's struggled to reach the same heights in his second coming.

However, after they came off the rails towards the end of the regular season, they firmly got back on track in the play-off semis against Aldershot. Clinical and efficient, they won both legs without conceding.

That gives them confidence ahead of what is really a game they will be expected to win. Millers fans should comfortably outnumber their Dagenham counterparts, and Rotherham did the double over Dagenham this year.

For those hoping that one side will be able to provide them with some entertaining football, then they're in for a disappointment. Moore's teams have always put substance before style.

They don't quite reach the same levels - quite literally - as Dagenham's long-ball style, but those celebrating come full time can expect a sore neck as well as a sore head the following morning.

Who will be celebrating though? You get the feeling that one team will just be happy to be there, whereas the other know they simply have to win.

There's also a trend of sides punching above their weight playing a long-ball style in League Two but finding the final a game too far. It's happened to Lincoln, Grimsby, and Shrewsbury in recent years.

All which doesn't bode well for the Daggers. Rotherham also seemed to raise their game against Aldershot and perhaps just have the experience to take this one.

Nobes' Prediction: Dagenham & Redbridge 0 Rotherham United 2

League Two Play Offs: Ties Preview

Having previewed all the four teams competing in the League Two play-offs, Nobes takes a closer look at the two ties.





Morecambe vs. Dagenham & Redbridge

First leg: Sunday May 16, 13:30, Victoria Road
Second leg: Thursday May 20, 19:45, Christie Park


Form (last six games):

Morecambe: WWWLLW
Dagenham & Redbridge: WWLWWD

Previous meetings:

Morecambe 1-0 Dagenham & Redbridge, April 24, Christie Park
Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Morecambe, September 26, Victoria Road

The tie:

This tie pits together two clubs promoted together from the Conference just three years ago.

Morecambe and Dagenham have massively overachieved given their resources and will be happy just to be competing in the play-offs.

Both sides enjoyed decent run-ins, albeit Dagenham faced easier opposition than the Shrimps.

Crucially, Morecambe beat Dagenham in the run-in at home, which looks ominous for the second leg.

Given their home advantage in the return leg and the promotion experience of boss Sammy McIlroy, the Lancashire side hold most of the aces.

Prediction: Morecambe





Rotherham United vs. Aldershot Town

First leg: May 15, 18:00, Recreation Ground
Second leg: May 19, 19:45, Don Valley Stadium

Form (last six games):

Rotherham United: LDWDWL
Aldershot Town: LWWDLD

Previous meetings:

Aldershot Town 3-0 Rotherham United, April 5, Recreation Ground
Rotherham United 0-0 Aldershot Town, October 31, Don Valley Stadium

The tie:

Rotherham fans would have hoped for automatic promotion this season. So it's without a doubt that the Millers come into the play-offs under the greatest pressure.

They also enter the end of season lottery in the poorest form of the four sides. Ronnie Moore's side have stumbled over the finishing line and will need to up their game.

Opponents Aldershot have had an inconsistent end to the season, but always remain very difficult to handle at home.

If anything, they'll probably be happy to have the first leg at the Recreation Ground.

If they can catch Rotherham cold and take a lead to South Yorkshire in the second leg, then Kevin Dillon's side can cap off a fine season with an appearance at Wembley.

Prediction: Aldershot Town

League Two Play Offs: Teams Preview

The League Two play-offs start this weekend.

It's largely a contest between the surprise packages of the season with Morecambe facing Dagenham while Aldershot pit their wits against one of the pre-season favourites, Rotherham.

Only one will join Notts County, Bournemouth, and Rochdale in League One next season though. Nobes looks at the teams involved.


Final top of the table:
............................................P....GD.....PTS
1. Notts County.....................46.....65......93
2. Bournemouth.....................46.....17......83
3. Rochdale...........................46.....34......82
--------------------------------------------------------
4. Morecambe........................46......9.......73
5. Rotherham United...............46......3.......73
6. Aldershot Town..................46.....13......72
7. Dagenham & Redbridge........46......11.....72
--------------------------------------------------------
8. Chesterfield.......................46......-1......70





Morecambe






Story of the season:

Pre-season dark horses for the top seven, Morecambe won one of their first 11 matches.

However, a run of seven straight wins in the autumn propelled them into the play-off places.

They remained in the hunt for a top seven spot and seven wins in their last nine matches secured them top spot in the play-off positions.

Manager:

The experienced Sammy McIlroy has established Morecambe as serious members of the Football League since winning promotion with them in 2007.

The Northern Irishman won promotion from the basement division with Macclesfield in 1998 - after bringing them into the Football League twelve months earlier.

Likes his teams to play good football, but Morecambe are well capable of dealing with the physical side of League Two as well.

Strength:

Christie Park has been a fortress for the Shrimps this term. They have lost just three times at home this season - fewer than any of their play-off rivals.

They're unbeaten in their last nine at home - winning eight of them - including against play-off opponents Dagenham.

The second leg will also be their final ever game at their home before moving to their new stadium in August.

Weakness:

Morecambe's away form is the weakest of the four sides - losing 10 of their 23 games, conceding 40 goals along the way.

Although there will be a carnival atmosphere for the second leg too, the pressure will be even greater as Morecambe try and give their home a good send-off.

Key players:

The acquisition of Phil Jevons, on-loan from Huddersfield, has proved inspired by McIlroy. The former Bristol City man has notced 19 goals this term.

Midfielder Stewart Drummond [left] is an experienced campaigner who is an important creative influence from the centre of the park.

Centre half and long-serving captain Jim Bentley is typical of a strong and combative defence which will be tested by Dagenham's aerial style.



Play-off history:

During their time in the Conference, Morecambe reached the play-offs on three occasions.

They made the inaugural play-offs in 2003 under Jim Harvey where they lost out to Dagenham over two legs in the semi finals.

In 2006, Sammy McIlroy's side lost in the semi finals again, this time to eventual winners Hereford.

However, twelve months later they were victorious. After seeing off York in the semis, they came from behind to beat Exeter 2-1 at Wembley and secure promotion to the Football League.

League One pedigree:

This is only Morecambe's third season in the Football League. Their previous two have ended in very creditable 11th placed finishes. Prior to that, they spent 11 seasons in the Conference.






Rotherham United





Story of the season:

Topped the table early on under Mark Robins, but saw their manager leave to take over at Barnsley. His replacement was former boss Ronnie Moore.

They suffered a dip in form in the autumn but remained solidly in the race for the top three into the spring.

However, a run of just two wins in their final nine matches saw them finish well off the automatic promotion pace in 5th.

Manager:

Ronnie Moore spent eight years with the Millers until leaving in 2005, but returned for a second spell earlier this term.

The experienced Liverpudlian masterminded their original rise from the basement division to the Championship ten years ago.

Operates with a direct, uncompromising style of play.

Strength:

Just 18 goals conceded at their Don Valley Stadium home gives the Millers a strong defensive base in the all important second leg.

With 11 victories, no side in League Two won more matches away from home than Rotherham this term.

Weakness:

Their adopted Don Valley home has not been the happiest of surroundings. Ten home wins is the fewest of all the top seven sides.

A solid defensive record is also tempered by the fact they only managed 29 goals in their 23 home matches - again the fewest goals in the top seven.

They also enter the play-offs in the poorest form of the four sides.

Key players:

With 25 goals, Adam Le Fondre [left] is one of the division's top scorers this season. He will carry the burden of scoring the goals to win Rotherham promotion.

Left sided midfielder Kevin Ellison has experience of the play-offs with Lincoln and is a danger going forwards - as well as chipping in with goals himself.

Vastly experienced keeper Andy Warrington has had another good season and has promotion and play-off experience with Doncaster.



Play-off history:

Rotherham's only previous appearance in the play-offs came during Moore's first spell as manager in 1999.

There they lost out to Leyton Orient in the League Two semi finals on penalties.

League One pedigree:

The Millers were in the third tier for most of the '90s but spent three years in League Two after relegation in 1997.

They won promotion to the Championship in 2001 - where they stayed for four seasons - and were demoted to League Two in 2007.




Aldershot Town






Story of the season:

Started the season promisingly under Gary Waddock - who was promptly poached by Wycombe.

Kevin Dillon was brought in as his successor and maintained the club's challenge for a place in the play-offs.

A run of just one win in seven saw them slip to 12th in February, but eight wins in their last 14 matches secured them 6th place.

Manager:

Formerly assistant to to Steve Coppell at Reading, the Shots job is Kevin Dillon's first as a manager.

The 50-year-old has continued from where Gary Waddock left off, only slightly tinkering with the side's natural attacking instinct.

Has experience of the play-offs last season from his time with the Royals.

Strength:

They are a side with the potential, when they click, to blow sides away - emphasised by them having the biggest goal difference of the play-off teams

Aldershot are also a side who have been developing and growing over the last three years since winning the Conference and being promoted.

They face the side with the highest expectations, which must also work in their favour.

Weakness:

Can they go any further? Aldershot have already exceeded expectations, how much more can they give?

Dillon is still a managerial novice and the play-offs are a different kettle of fish than the normal season.

They also took four points off Rotherham in the regular season - without conceding a goal. Will this mean their opponents are due a win and are out for revenge?

Key players:

The powerful Marvin Morgan [left] is the Shots top scorer this season with 16 and will be a handful for defenders in the play-offs.

Pacy left sided man Dean Morgan and is an important creative influence in the Aldershot midfield.

Midfielder Scott Donnelly has had another impressive campaign and has been a useful source of goals - netting 14 this season.



Play-off history:

Under Terry Brown, Aldershot competed in the Conference play-offs in 2004. There, they saw off Hereford in the semi finals before losing on a penalty shoot-out to Shrewsbury in the final.

The original Aldershot were winners of the basement division play-offs in 1987 against Wolves.

League One pedigree:

The Shots were formed in 1992 after the original Aldershot went out of business. Since then they've climbed their way back up the Non League pyramid, finally achieving promotion back to the Football League in 2008.

Their predecessors spent the majority of their time in the basement division, briefly having a few years in the third tier in the '70s and one season in the late '80s.





Dagenham & Redbridge






Story of the season:

Four wins in their opening five took them to the top early on, and they remained in the top seven throughout the first half of the season.

A run of five losses in their first seven matches of 2010 seemed to dent their play-off hopes.

However, four wins in their last five saw them move into 7th and secure the final play-off berth.

Manager:

John Still has been in charge at Victoria Road for six years and took the club into the Football League in 2007.

The hugely experienced coach has used his Non League contacts well to develop a competitive team on a shoestring budget.

His young team narrowly missed out on last season's play-offs but their direct style has once again confounded more illustrious opponents this term.

Strength:

A close-knit group of young players who have forged a strong team spirit with a great work ethic.

They might not be the easiest on the eye, but their long-ball style is effective and puts teams under great pressure.

That's particularly true at home, where they've won 15 games - more than any of their play-off rivals.

They go into the end of season lottery as big underdogs, ready to spring another surprise.

Weakness:

After coming so close last year, the fact they've managed to go one step further this is particularly impressive. How much more can they give though?

Their away form has also been very poor, just five wins on the road - and they must play the second leg away.

Their 1-0 loss at Morecambe just a few weeks ago could be an ominous sign ahead of the two meeting in the play-offs.

Key players:

Striker Paul Benson turned down a summer move to Shrewsbury and his goals have once again been key to the Daggers - with 18 this term.

Goalkeeper Tony Roberts [left] has been with the club for ten seasons and the 40-year-old is still an important figure at the back.

Danny Green was one of Still's Non League summer signings - from Bishop's Stortford - and has scored 13 goals from midfield in his debut League season.


Play-off history:

The Daggers only play-off appearance was in 2003 when they competed in the very first Conference play-offs.

Ironically, their opponents on that occasion were also Morecambe. They saw off the Shrimps in the semis before losing 3-2 in the final to Doncaster on an extra time golden goal.

League One pedigree:

Dagenham were only promoted to the Football League in 2007. After finishing 20th in their debut campaign, they ended up 8th last term and have now gone one better.

Formed by a merger of a series of clubs, they competed for promotion from the Conference on several occasions in the last decade.


And we'll take a closer look at the two ties later in the week.

Big Match Review - Morecambe 1 Dagenham 0

League Two

Morecambe 1-0 Dagenham & Redbridge

Saturday April 25, Christie Park, (Att: 2,100)

A Darren Moss goal four minutes from time moved Morecambe up to 8th in Leage Two as they earned a crucial win over play-off rivals Dagenham & Redbridge.

The Shrimps had started the better of the two teams, and were unfortunate not to take the lead in the first half when Paul Mullin's volley struck the top of the bar.

With the visitors struggling to make an impact going forwards, Morecambe continued to look for a winner.

Garry Hunter was also denied by the woodwork and, when Stewart Drummond missed a good chance, it appeared Sammy McIlroy's team were going to be denied.

However, with time running out, the Daggers failed to clear a corner and the ball dropped to Moss on the edge of the area to launch a spectacular left-footed volley into the top corner.

It could prove to be a crucial first goal for the club from the defender, as they move level on points with 7th placed Port Vale.

For John Still's men, they must hope they won't fall at the final hurdle for a second successive season.

Big Match Preview

League Two

Morecambe vs. Dagenham & Redbridge

Saturday April 25, 15:00, Christie Park

Two overachievers challenging for the play-offs meet on the Lancashire coast this weekend as 7th placed Dagenham make the trip to Morecambe - who sit 10th.

Just a couple of points separate the two sides - who were promoted together from the Conference in 2007. They're now two of nine teams competing for a place in the top seven.

The Daggers are one of the form sides in the division of late, having secured 15 points from their last eight games. That includes home wins in their last two games against Burton and Barnet.

John Still's team have built their play-off assault on an imperious record at Victoria Road - collecting 44 points from their 22 home matches.

Their away form has been their achilles heel though. Only once in 13 away trips have they return to East London with maximum spoils. A record they will need to improve upon if they're to seal a spot in the top seven.

Striker Paul Benson has again been key to Dagenham's fortunes - scoring 17 goals in all competitions. Midfielder Danny Green, a summer signing from Bishop's Stortford, has also found the back of the net on 13 occasions.

It's a typical story of a club who, despite low crowds and a small budget, have utilised the Non League market to great effect in making themselves competitive in League Two.

After missing out on the play-offs to Shrewsbury by just a point on the final day of last season, Still will be hoping his wheeling and dealing takes them one step further this term.

Dagenham manager John Still has once again got his team punching above their weight

However, in their way stands a Morecambe team who many pundits predicted as the dark horses for this season's top seven.

A couple of months ago, their experienced manager Sammy McIlroy had ruled his side out of the play-off running. However, a run of five wins in six propelled the Shrimps into the top seven.

Since then, they've lost back-to-back games at Bradford and Notts County, so will be hoping to get back to winning ways on home soil against the Daggers.

Saturday's game could also be their penultimate game at their Christie Park home. The Lancashire outfit are moving to the new Globe Arena from next season.

Their record at home has, like their opponents, also been very impressive this term. Just three of their 22 home fixtures have been lost - and they're unbeaten in seven on their own turf.

Key performers in the Morecambe side this season include striking pair Phil Jevons and Paul Mullin - who've scored a combined 30 league goals between them.

In many ways, this fixture should be one that both sides should enjoy. After all, the chance to finish in the top seven would be a bonus for these two, rather than what expectation.

Both have enjoyed good seasons, but it's hard to ignore both sides are stronger at home than they are away. For that reason, Morecambe may well edge a close encounter.

Nobes' Prediction: Morecambe 2 Dagenham & Redbridge 1