FA Cup Second Round: Dagenham & Redbridge's Shock Victory Over AFC Wimbledon

National League side Dagenham & Redbridge created a massive upset in the FA Cup second round, defeating League Two's AFC Wimbledon 2-1 in a thrilling encounter at Plough Lane. The victory propels Dagenham into the third round for the first time since 2015-16, securing their place amongst Premier League giants in Monday's draw. This unexpected triumph marks them as the first non-league team to advance to this stage of the competition this season.

Junior Morias' Stunning Opener and Matty Stevens' Equalizer

The match began with a captivating display of skill and determination from both sides. AFC Wimbledon, sitting seventh in League Two, had an early opportunity when James Furlong's pass found James Tilley, but the Daggers' defense managed a crucial block. However, the momentum shifted in Dagenham's favor. In the 35th minute, Notts County loanee Junior Morias unleashed a powerful 25-yard drive that found the back of the net, putting the Daggers ahead. This goal set the tone for an exciting first half, highlighting the Daggers' ability to match the higher-league opponents.

The lead, however, proved short-lived. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Matty Stevens, capitalizing on a failed clearance from a James Furlong cross, leveled the score for the Dons with his 12th goal of the season. Replays, however, hinted at an offside position, adding another layer of drama to the already tense match. The half ended with a 1-1 scoreline, leaving both sets of fans eager for the second half.

A Referee Change and Shifting Momentum

The second half started with an unexpected turn of events – the referee Craig Hicks suffered an injury and was replaced by the fourth official Greg Rollason. This interruption disrupted AFC Wimbledon's rhythm, allowing Dagenham to regain their composure and push for a winning goal. Dagenham's strategy shifted to concentrating on set pieces, particularly corners, flooding the box with players, and eventually managing to get the winning goal.

Josh Rees' Late Heroics Secure Victory

The tension mounted as the match neared its conclusion. Both teams exhibited a fierce determination to secure the win, leading to several fouls and yellow cards for both sides. There were several moments that could have changed the outcome of the match, including, but not limited to, the goal disallowed by the referee, the injury suffered by James Ball, and the bookings collected by Josh Umerah and Luca Woodhouse. Then, with 11 minutes remaining, the game's decisive moment arrived. Following a corner taken by Ryan Hill, the Dons keeper, Owen Goodman, failed to clear the ball effectively. The ensuing scramble in the box saw Josh Rees, recently substituted onto the pitch, nudge the ball home from close range. The goal sparked wild celebrations among Dagenham's 1,000 travelling supporters.

Post-Match Reactions

Dagenham manager Ben Strevens expressed his delight at his team's victory, stating, “We had a tough game at Crewe and we had to do the same thing tonight. I’ve been told their goal was offside so all in all the boys deserved it.” His counterpart, AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson, admitted his team's frustration, commenting, “We’re out of the cup, we obviously wanted to go through, we knew it was going to be a difficult game. They came up to frustrate, which they did and they did it well. They had two shots on target. They’re poor goals on our end, I thought we continued to push and dominated the ball but didn’t capitalise on those moments.”

A Cup Run for the Ages: Daggers' Path to Glory

Dagenham & Redbridge's victory is a testament to their unwavering belief and exceptional teamwork. Having previously defeated League Two's Crewe Alexandra in the first round, this win against AFC Wimbledon marks their second consecutive triumph over higher-league opposition. The team has proven their ability to not only compete but also excel against tougher opponents. Their journey into the third round has been a thrilling one and showcases what can be achieved with dedication, strategy, and a touch of magic. Whoever they face next should treat the Daggers with the utmost respect; they certainly earned it. Their incredible performance shows the power of perseverance and the beauty of cup upsets. There is something truly special about witnessing a non-league team rise to the challenge and surpass expectations, making for a truly unforgettable FA Cup moment. This victory secures their place in the hearts of their supporters and football fans everywhere. This remarkable win guarantees at least one non-league club will be present in the FA Cup's third round draw. The future looks bright for Dagenham & Redbridge, and the football world waits with bated breath to see who they'll face next.