DAGENHAM 1, ALDERSHOT TN 0

ALDERSHOT Town’s young squad are learning the hard way that you sometimes have to make your own luck.

For the vast majority of the game at Victoria Road on Tuesday, the Shots stood toe-to-toe with a strong Dagenham & Redbridge side, trading blows in a heavyweight encounter, yet – for the second match in succession – failed to earn their just reward.

A point would have represented a pleasing return against John Still’s second-placed Daggers, but, after Saturday’s draw at Torquay, more missed chances – compounded by a defensive error at the death – suggested that their recent lack of goals may be down to more than sheer misfortune.

Aldershot were again left cursing the woodwork as Charlie Walker hooked a volley within centimetres of snatching an injury-time equaliser, bringing a blunt post-match assessment from Gary Waddock.

“We’re massively disappointed. We more than matched them and we should be going home with something. You could say we’re pleased with the performance, but we’re coming away with nothing.

“Will Evans’ mistake has cost us and we haven’t taken our chances. We need everybody to start chipping in with goals. We will make mistakes and can’t always rely on keeping a clean sheet.”

Having seen his team play for long spells with pace and panache, the manager added: “We mustn’t lose sight of what we’re trying to do, or how we’re trying to play. I can be frustrated and angry about (losing) tonight, but as soon as I wake up tomorrow I’ll be focused on getting a win on Saturday.”

Elliot Justham saved the first shot of the evening, angled in from Bernard Mensah, but it was the hosts who set the pace. Josh Staunton’s glancing header grazed the crossbar and Matt Robinson nodded over from six yards, while Jordan Maguire-Drew fizzed a shot just high.

The game continued at a ferocious pace, with opportunities at both ends, although neither goalkeeper was required to make a truly testing save. It was heroic, committed defending which exemplified the first half.

Aldershot 16-year-old Idris Kanu, making his first senior start, seemed to relish the challenge and posed an impudent threat to the Daggers as the visitors wrested both possession and territorial advantage.

On 55 minutes, Justham parried Matt McClure’s header, but eventually the game’s crucial battle emerged.

Corey Whitely raced past Evans, despite a strong attempted shoulder-charge, and his angled shot brought a low save from Jake Cole.

Just three minutes later, Evans lost possession by the corner flag, allowing Whitely to burst inside and this time beat Cole with a low drive.

Nine minutes remained and Aldershot refused to be cowed, but with McClure shooting wide and Cheye Alexander seeing an effort brilliantly blocked, all seemed lost. Then, with virtually the last kick of the game, Walker’s over-the-shoulder volley was tipped onto the post by Justham.

It once more illustrated the fine margins by which games are won, but in its immediate aftermath a disconsolate Waddock struggled to feel pride in defeat. That would come with time, but the harsh reality remained: Aldershot must start to take their chances.

They should have some shooting practice this Saturday when Guiseley, second from bottom in the National League table, visit the EBB?Stadium.

Dagenham: Justham; Ling (Heard 70), Staunton, Doe, Widdowson; Robinson, Boucaud; Raymond, Maguire-Drew, Whitely; Hawkins. Subs (not used): Cousins, Hyde, Barnwell, White. Booked: Doe.

Aldershot: Cole; Alexander, Evans, Reynolds, Straker; Mensah, Gallagher, Bellamy (Walker 83), Kanu (Allen 69); Rendell, McClure. Subs (not used): Smith, Arnold, Saville. Booked: Alexander.

Referee: Robert Whitton.

Attendance: 1,371 (247 away).