Guiseley 0 Dagenham & Redbridge 2

THE DAGGERS punctured the Lions' hopes of banking their first points of the new National League season at Nethermoor on Saturday with a goal in each half of a dominant display.

Guiseley are now second bottom in the early table, one of only two clubs without a point after three games.

The visitors, who are seventh despite losing to Chester in midweek, brushed Guiseley aside and manager Mark Bower was under no illusions after poor defending from his charges.

He said: “This performance was in complete contrast to our first two defeats because at least we could take some pride and satisfaction from them because of the way we played.

“Against Dagenham we were beaten by the better team from start to finish. They just looked sharper, stronger and they had more ideas. They got off to a good start which obviously helps and we just couldn’t contend with what they had to throw at us.

“We gave possession away far too easily and their centre forward (Oliver) Hawkins was a real focal point for them which allowed them to dictate the game. There are not many positives we can take from that as we just looked miles away from where we need to be.”

The Daggers broke the deadlock in the sixth minute when Christian Assombalonga powered a header past Lions keeper Dan Atkinson following a superb move involving nine players.

Assombalonga almost doubled his tally ten minutes later with a chipped shot after the Guiseley defence got themselves in a tangle.

The second half was just as difficult for the home side but they had a chance to level from a rare foray.

A burst from Jordan Preston ended with a good cross to Adam Boyes, who had replaced Oli Johnson on the hour mark, and he was narrowly wide with his attempt.

The Daggers sealed their win with a second soon after as Hawkins headed home from a corner.