Match Preview: Dagenham & Redbridge (H) - 29th November 2025

Photo by Ben Cole

By Josh Cole

AFC Totton are finally back on home soil after a string of away games, and we host Dagenham & Redbridge!

Last time out Totton were beaten by Slough after a second half comeback from the hosts. Click here to read the match report.

You can also watch the interviews with Jimmy Ball and Malachi Linton to recap what they thought of Tuesday night’s defeat and how they preview Saturday.

New loan signings Sam Ashford and Andre Changunda are able to play in tomorrow's match!

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE – THEIR SEASON SO FAR:

The Daggers are currently in 13^th place in the league so far, on 25 points from 19 games.

Their season started winless in the first four matches, drawing two and losing two before they managed to get a win at home against Hemel Hempstead, 2-1. However, they couldn’t follow it up and in their next three league games, lost two and drew once.

In the FA Cup second qualifying round a replay was required for Dagenham to beat Bedford Town. Back into the league and they picked up a good 0-0 draw away at Dorking.

In the third qualifying round of the FA Cup is where they were knocked out, courtesy of Spalding United, 3-1. In their next three matches, two in the league, and one in the Essex Senior Cup they once again were winless. A loss at home to Maidstone followed the FA Cup defeat and then a 0-0 draw away against Torquay was next, which was a good result. In the senior cup, Dagenham lost 5-0 at Little Oakley.

Form as of late has picked up for our visitors, as in their last nine matches they have only lost once, to Horsham. In that span of games, they have won six of those nine, also progressing in the FA Trophy with a victory over Tilbury. They drew two in that period as well.

LAST FIVE: AFC TOTTON

(most recent result first)

Vs Slough Town | Away | ENLS | Lost 3-2

Goalscorer: Malachi Linton 3’ & 36’

Vs Hornchurch | Away | ENLS | Drew 1-1

Goalscorer: Joe Oastler 71’

Vs Folkestone Invicta | Away | FA Trophy 2^nd Round | Won 1-2

Goalscorers: Malachi Linton 38’ & Scott Rendell 89’

Vs Worthing | Away | ENLS | Lost 4-0

Vs Ebbsfleet United | Home | ENLS | Lost 0-2

LAST FIVE: DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE

Vs Chesham United | Home | ENLS | Won 3-1

Goalscorers: Dylan Stephenson 13’ Timothee Dieng 80’ & Andy Carroll 83’

Vs Maidenhead United | Home | ENLS | Won 1-0

Goalscorer: Joe Haigh 57’

Vs Tilbury | Home | Izuzu FA Trophy 2^nd Round | Won 2-0

Goalscorers: Christian Maghoma 68’ & Dylan Stephenson 90+8’

Vs Bath City | Away | ENLS | Drew 0-0

Vs Eastbourne Borough | Away | ENLS | Won 1-2

Goalscorers: Trent Rendall 60’ & Andy Carroll 83’

 
COMPARING THE STATS (all comps)

MY OPPOSITION PLAYERS TO WATCH

DEFENCE: Dermi Lusala

Right-back Lusala began his youth career at Brentford, winning the 2016 Elite Neon Cup with the U13s. After Brentford's academy closed in 2016, he joined Tottenham Hotspur’s academy and signed a one-year pro deal in 2021. Injuries limited his progress, and he was released in 2022.

Lusala then joined Coventry City on a two-year deal, spending time on loan at Barwell and featuring for Coventry’s U21s in their run to the 2022–23 Birmingham Senior Cup final. He trained with the first team but didn’t make a senior appearance and was released in 2024.

After a successful trial, he signed with Buxton in August 2024. He made 29 appearances despite an injury setback that led to a brief loan at Matlock Town, helping Buxton reach the National League North playoff quarter-finals.

MIDFIELD: Timothee Dieng

Midfielder Timothée Dieng joined the Daggers this summer on a two-year deal, bringing a wealth of experience and versatility to the squad. The 33-year-old Frenchman, originally from Grenoble, began his football journey as a goalkeeper before evolving into a dynamic outfield player capable of performing in midfield, defence, and even up front.

After developing through the Grenoble and Brest youth systems, Dieng made his senior debut for Brest in the Coupe de France in 2013, later featuring in Ligue 1 against Paris Saint-Germain.

Dieng moved to England in 2014 to join Oldham Athletic, racking up over 60 league appearances before successful spells at Bradford City, Southend United (where he captained the side), and Exeter City, where he was instrumental in their 2021–22 promotion campaign. His 15 goals and consistent performances earned him Exeter’s Player of the Season and a place in the League Two Team of the Season.

He later featured for Gillingham and Cheltenham Town before arriving at Victoria Road.

ATTACK: Andy Carroll

Andy Carroll sensationally signed for the Daggers this summer, with the former Premier League forward putting pen to paper on a three-year deal, which has also seen him become a minority investor of the club.

He began his senior career at Newcastle United, making his first-team debut in 2006 and establishing himself by 2008. A run of strong form in the 2009-10 season helped Newcastle win the Championship and return to the Premier League.

In January 2011 he secured a big-money transfer to Liverpool FC for around £35 million, at the time a record fee paid by an English club. After a mixed spell at Anfield, he moved to West Ham United on loan in 2012 before making the move permanent in 2013. During his career Carroll earned nine caps for the national side, scoring twice, including participation at UEFA Euro 2012.

Over the years, injuries and fluctuating form saw him represent a number of clubs, including returns to Newcastle, short stints at Reading FC and West Bromwich Albion, and even a move abroad, but his persistence and physical presence have defined a long and eventful professional career.

The former England striker spent last season at Bordeaux, where he netted 10 goals in 21 appearances for the French Outfit.

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Referee: Said Ouchene
Assistant: Simon Parbery
Assistant: Benjamin Williamson   
Fourth Official: Adrian Harris 

GO STAGS