Dagenham & Redbridge manager Ben Strevens commended the fighting spirit of his players as the East Londoners reached the third round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2015 with a shock 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon.

Goals from Junior Morias and substitute Josh Rees were enough to secure progression for Strevens's side, who matched their League Two opponents throughout the tie to earn a place in the hat alongside the Premier League clubs in the third round draw.

“I’m buzzing for everyone involved at the football club. The amazing support that we had when we scored the second and at the end of the game,” the Daggers boss told the club website.

“Everyone behind the scenes, all that goes into trying to help the boys. I’m really, really happy for them.”

And Strevens dedicated the result to lifelong supporters Lyn and Brian Box, who sadly passed away earlier in the week.

“It’s an important moment to dedicate to Lyn and Brian. We found out the horrible news that both of them passed away this week, so our thoughts are with their friends and family.

"She gave me quite a bit of stick sometimes behind the goal, but I’m sure she’d be really happy, the same as the rest of the Dagenham fans. I know how much she cared about the club, so thoughts from everyone at the football club go to their family at this time.”

Having lost their previous National League away match at Tamworth in disappointing fashion a week earlier, Strevens was keen to point out that he had put a marker down on the Wimbledon game in an attempt to re-establish some form on the road.

“It’s not gone unnoticed with me that this was our next away game after the way we fell away at Tamworth. Walking towards the fans, there was a contrast in what we felt today,” he said.

“It’s what we do it for. I don’t do it for what we felt at the end of that game and how low I felt after that. I do it for how good I feel now and how good it makes other people feel. The support we got was fantastic.

“The players worked extremely hard to stick to the game plan, knowing what they were going to do to us and how hard it was going to be to win this game. Once the second goal was in and the way we defended to get that victory at the end, it all makes it worthwhile. I’m delighted for everyone.”

As for who he hoped to face in the third round, Strevens added: “I want Arsenal away!

“My dad and my niece are both season ticket holders, and both my boys are massive fans - they go whenever they can. I want it for them.

“For everyone at the football club, we’ve been wanting home ties, but to go away to Crewe and come here and win as well. The three hard away games we had to get to this round, I really hope for everyone at the club that it’s a massive tie away from home.

“Let’s hope we can get one of the big boys away. For me, I want it to be Arsenal!”

After a midweek meeting with Nottingham Forest in the National League Cup, Daggers travel to Chertsey Town in the FA Trophy on Saturday.