If ever there was a week that summed this football club up, that last week of February had just about everything. 

It all began with a game that will probably never be replicated in circumstance - a managerless team (who had a manager only 20 hours prior) defeating the league leaders who were unbeaten since September and unbeaten at home in over a year.

It was a result and performance which came as a very pleasant surprise to Daggers fans, it had all the tenacity and resolve that had been missing for a fair few weeks. In Daryl McMahon’s case it came all too late, perhaps that anger and frustration at their failure to do more under him had been channelled to victory. 

That Inih Effiong winner, hitting the back of the net in spectacular fashion, ended a memorable 24 hours in the history of this football club, though as some would say, just another 24 hours at Dagenham & Redbridge - from crisis to bliss.

Steve Gritt was quick to register his shock at the news in his pre-match interview and assert that it was to be McMahon’s strategy deployed on the pitch - practised in training on Friday. After the match and incredible performance, Gritt also credited McMahon, an awkward watch that only made Daryl’s departure more puzzling. 

The true circumstances surrounding his late Friday night exit will come out in time, but having digested the news and equally the shock of beating the unbeaten league leaders, Tuesday night saw a crash back down to reality. 

A trip to Maidenhead saw a very different Dagenham side turn up, one that reminded us of the faults in this side that showed us why consistency was lacking. The lapses in concentration at the back, the weakness in midfield and the impotence up front - the real Dagenham & Redbridge at present.

Obviously, it only heightened frustrations, once again the sheer contrast in performance from Saturday to Tuesday, toppling the league leaders with an admirable display full of resolve, concentration and determination. Then, to ship two goals within five minutes at a mid-table side, once again we were greeted by another false dawn - the first of the post-McMahon era.

Granted, we’re in a transitional phase with no permanent manager in place, Dave Jupp and Gritt still in the dugout - but the fixture schedule isn’t letting up, the prospect of the play-offs looking possible, then fading once more.

That play-off race will soon be decided as we head into the last 12 games of the season, the Daggers still in the race as they sit five points adrift. However, realistically, having to put together a good winning streak to make up that ground has this team got what it takes? 

Of course we can’t write this Dagenham team off, but it’s an almighty task and with the uncertainty at the minute - without a permanent manager - there is a question as to whether the motivation levels are just as high. Or, rather, did they see McMahon’s departure as writing off our chances this campaign?

We can’t finish without addressing the manager situation, and the board are clearly taking their time which I respect and encourage. This appointment is one that has to be got right if the club is to achieve ambitions of play-off football. 

I’d be looking for a proven manager at this level who has been there and reached the play-offs, the likes of Strevens and Burchnall are names that stand out. Hopefully the right decision is reached in time, but for now it’s another busy week ahead.

A double-header at home awaits with York, then Wrexham, the visitors. Two tough games, but obviously that Tuesday night tie will be the ultimate test as to whether the Daggers can provide yet another twist in the title race. 

I’m banking on a victory this Saturday to keep the points tally ticking over and then seeing what Tuesday brings. Although after last week predicting the way this week is going to go seems futile.

Strap yourselves in for another week at Dagenham & Redbridge. Come On You Daggers!