Heybridge prepared themselves for the beginning of the new Ryman League season with a fine 2-1 victory over Nationwide Conference outfit, Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.

This was Swifts' last pre-season friendly ahead of their clash with Basingstoke Town on Saturday, when they kick off their new League campaign.

The game began with a minute's silence in memory of Robin Frost, a loyal and devoted supporter who had been associated with Heybridge Swifts for many years, who died during the previous week.

Dagenham enjoyed the majority of the early possession and went close to taking the lead after five minutes when Danny Shipp's effort struck the Heybridge upright.

Paul Cobb was also presented with opportunity to open the scoring for the Daggers early on, but he sliced his attempt wide of Swifts goalkeeper Kingsley Banks' goal.

At the other end Kris Lee caused the Dagenham defence countless problems with his pace and physical presence.

Lee's strength enabled him to dispossess former Swifts defender Ashley Vickers, however Tony Roberts in the Dagenham goal reacted quickly to prevent Simon Parker from capitalising.

On the half-hour mark, Lee forced his way into the Dagenham penalty area following a strong run. His low centre was met by Parker who was unable to convert, but Chris Payne was on hand to net from close range.

After the break, Heybridge's two forwards, Lee and Parker caused more difficulties for the Daggers back line.

Vickers brought down Parker just outside the Dagenham penalty area and the resulting free kick was impressively headed home by Ian Wiles at the far post.

However, Wiles was adjudged to have been offside and the goal was subsequently disallowed.

Swifts doubled their advantage in the 65th minute. Parker ran on to a poorly weighted backpass and rounded the stranded Roberts.

Parker squared the ball for Lee, who calmly netted from 10 yards to give Heybridge a 2-0 lead.

Lee had proved a constant threat to the Dagenham defence all afternoon and the goal was a reward for a fine personal performance.

Heybridge were denied a third goal 10 minutes later when Parker fired narrowly wide from an acute angle.

On 74 minutes Dagenham were awarded a penalty when substitute Junior McDougald was seemingly held back in the Swifts area.

However, Cobb's spot kick was saved by Banks, who then did well to save Shipp's header a minute later.

Dagenham scored what proved to be only a consolation goal in the 77th minute when Mark Keen, on as a second half substitute, stabbed the ball home from close range.

Keen and McDougald both had further chances to level for the Daggers, but Heybridge managed to hold on to a well-earned 2-1 victory.

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