Maidenhead 1-4 Dagenham and Redbridge: Brilliant Balanta batters Maidenhead

A stunning hat-trick from Angelo Balanta helped Dagenham and Redbridge to a convincing 4-1 away win over struggling Maidenhead in the National League.

Balanta's second, third and fourth goals of the season were followed by a stunning second-half effort from Ibby Akanbi. Josh Kelly's goal after 58 minutes had briefly given Maidenhead hope, but it ended up being their only highlight on a miserable afternoon.

Dagenham move up to 7th in the National League, whilst Maidenhead drop to 19th.

Maidenhead had looked marginally the better side in an uneventful opening 20 minutes. Defender Remy Clerima wasted their first clear cut chance as he headed over from a corner.

Shortly afterwards, however, Dagenham went ahead against the run of play. Akanbi's cross found Balanta, whose header gave goalkeeper Rhys Lovett no chance.

It was almost 2-0 moments later, but Mauro Vilhete's stinging strike cannoned off the bar. There was no lucky escape for Maidenhead on 40 minutes, though. Balanta pounced on the rebound after Lovett could only parry Akanbi's shot.

Josh Kelly offered Maidenhead a lifeline after 58 minutes. His header from Sam Barratt's clever cross made it 2-1 and it was all to play for. But not for long.

This was Balanta's day and he completed his hat trick after Lovett again only parried Akanbi's shot.

Akanbi got a goal of his own after 72 minutes with the moment of the match. His curling effort from outside the box confirmed a thoroughly deserved victory for Dagenham.

It was another worrying afternoon for Maidenhead, who are celebrating their 150th anniversary this year. The defensive issues which were in the spotlight after last week's 7-4 defeat to Halifax were evident again here.

Meanwhile, Dagenham will be relieved to be back on track after three games without a win in all competitions. Taking a comfortable three points at York Road, officially recognised as the oldest football ground in the world, will keep the East London side dreaming about making some history of their own this season.