It has been a tumultuous week away from football, but for the Daggers it was all rather plain-sailing and the chaos was confined to Westminster.

A 7-0 victory in the FA Cup saw Daryl McMahon’s men into the first round proper where they will face Maidenhead, but it’s a return to league action this week. 

The win at Beckenham last Saturday saw the Daggers avoid a Carshalton-style humiliation, however there was little else to be read into the resounding victory.

The scrutiny will return however, as McMahon’s men take on Halifax and Boreham Wood this week - two very different challenges. 

Up first on the road is Halifax who have had a difficult start to the season, lying in 20th, but this season more than ever we know that counts for very little once the two teams are on the pitch.

The Shaymen have had something of a mini-revival in recent weeks with two victories and a draw in their last three games. 

That’s where the opposition stand, but the visitors will be looking to get back to winning ways after back-to-back 1-1 draws in the league, aiming to keep up with the play-off pack - even at this early stage. 

We’re 14 games in and the Daggers sit in 11th place, with the midweek break very much appreciated with five games having already been played in a hectic October.

Before the sixth, it’s a good time to take stock of just where we are at and after an inconsistent start it’s good to see some signs of stability. 

As Daryl has mentioned, the performances recently have been a sign of encouragement and if we can build on those with consistent results, perhaps we can break into that top seven.

The defensive displays are a key part to this and Harry Phipps at the back has been immense in recent weeks, a solid defence laying the foundations for the team’s improvement. 

If they can keep those defensive performances going, there is a confidence in our attack to go out and get the goals we need but Boreham Wood will be a tough team to break down on Tuesday.

The third-placed side boast one of the best defences in the league this campaign so will no doubt be resolute in front of the Victoria Road crowd. 

However, if the likes of Paul McCallum and Junior Morias are fighting fit and available there’s always the hope of breaking through that back line and getting the much-needed three points at home. 

Hopefully we’re back here next week with at least four more points on the board and a Dagenham side that’s still kicking on the play-off door. 

Until then, come on you Daggers!