Dagenham set for home comfort

Dagenham's FA Cup third round replay against Charlton next Wednesday looks certain to go ahead at the club's Victoria Road ground.

The Nationwide Conference side, who were just four minutes away from causing one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history, were considering cashing in on their magnificent performance by staging the tie at nearby West Ham.

But following approval from police, who were concerned about safety, the game is set to go ahead at their 6,000 capacity home.

And manager Garry Hill is hoping the decision will give the club a massive advantage as they look to finish Charlton off and book themselves an even bigger FA Cup clash against Tottenham in the next round.

Hill, who is a lifelong Spurs fan, said: "I would like the game to go ahead at Dagenham because I think playing them on a tight narrow pitch with the Dagenham public behind us is our best chance of getting a result.

"So much has happened over the last 24 hours that we just need to make sure we make the right decision from the point of view of the club. But as a manager trying to win the match, I want the game to be played at Victoria Road.

"Believe me drawing Spurs has given everyone an even bigger incentive. I am a massive fan and 10 or 12 years ago I used to follow them home and away. I don't get to see them as much now, of course, but I still get down there to support them when I can.

"It was a very proud moment for me being in the fourth round and seeing Dagenham in there with all those big names. But when Spurs came out that was the icing on the cake for me."

Part timers Dagenham should already be looking forward to that game against Tottenham. After taking a first half lead through former Spurs trainee Junior McDougald, they were robbed of a famous victory by a deflected 86th minute equaliser from John Salako.