We did it! The Daggers capped a superb season by winning the League Two playoff final at Wembley. In an open game of many chances, Dagenham & Redbridge beat Rotherham United 3-2 to reach the unbelievable heights of English football’s third tier.

The Daggers took the lead on three occasions and immediately surrendered it twice, but there was to be no way back for the Millers once Jon Nurse had scored what proved to be the winner. Both sides had good chances with a Taylor header brushing the post on its way wide, and Warrington making two great saves from a Vincelot scissor-kick and Danny Green’s low free kick. However it was Benson who gave Dagenham the lead when his instant control and spin gave him the space to guide a placed finish just inside the post.

Within a minute the game was all square again, Ellison finding himself completely unmarked from a throw to hook to ball onto Taylor’s head for the simplest of goals. This led to the Miller’s best spell as they attempted to gain a lead before the break, but the half-time whistle came at the wrong time for them and the second half saw the Daggers on top. Green capitalised with an angled drive from the right hand side which nestled in the bottom corner.

Once again Rotherham attempted to hit straight back, but Harrison somehow hit the bar with the goal gaping from Lynch’s right-wing cross. We didn’t learn our lesson – the next attack saw Lynch again set free on the flank and this time he found Taylor – Rotherham’s best player on the day – who controlled and fired home.

But one thing we know about this team is that they will not give up. They continued attacking in search of the winner, and got their rewards with 20 minutes left. Green’s corner fell at Nurse’s feet, and he capped his best season in a Daggers shirt by firing beyond Warrington. The last 20 minutes was torture for all involved, but the defence and Robbo stood firm to restrict the Millers to very few chances, even when their own keeper joined the attack in the dying seconds.

This really is fairytale stuff for Dagenham & Redbridge FC. Our third promotion in ten years, two under the expert guidance of John Still, who has worked wonders for this club on a tight budget. Who thought that when we lost so many players last season we would be where we are now? The manager and his scouting network brought us the likes of Ogogo, Doe, Scott and Green who have all been more than a match for their predecessors. Danny Green took the man of the match award, but in reality there were 4 or 5 contenders with Ogogo and Doe both outstanding along with Benson and Vincelot. The Frenchman is surely the find of the season after joining us on trial and going on to become the heartbeat of the team with his incredible fitness and endeavour.

So next season we play the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Southampton and Huddersfield. Perhaps best of all is the chance to play Charlton Athletic in a league match, who just 9 years ago were our FA Cup opponents when they were in the Premiership and we were in the Conference.

Here’s our photos from an amazing day:

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