Darlington manager Dave Penney was disappointed his side failed to hold onto a two-goal lead after losing a thrilling game with Dagenham 3-2.Darlington took the lead in the 19th minute when Ricky Ravenhill's header crept in, and substitute Shaun Reay's shot was put through his own net by Mark Arber before Dagenham substitute Sam Sloma pulled one back with a close-range effort in the 63rd minute.

Dave Rainford drew the Daggers level with a spot kick before the game was won in the 73rd minute when Paul Benson's shot from a narrow angle was deflected in by Clark Keltie.

Penney said: "We tried to pass the ball around and got a couple of goals that should have seen us go on and win the game easy. But we didn't defend well and they sniffed blood and went on to win.

"Ricky headed in and then young Shaun Reay scored a great goal but then we switched off and losing Pawel Abbott was a big blow especially with the play-offs coming up.

"We wanted 45 minutes out of him, not 15, and our physio is going to have to work his socks off to get players fit. I haven't seen this many injuries in my life at such a crucial stage of the season"

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