A goal from Matt Saunders condemned Barnet to a 1-0 defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge but the final scoreline doesn’t reflect the Daggers dominance throughout the contest.

The Bees started brightly but a fine strike from distance by Saunders on 16 minutes sapped the confidence from the visitors and they were fortunate not to go in at half time further behind.

The Daggers dominated the second period and, although Barnet did attack in the dying minutes, they eased their way to victory.

Mark Robson and Edgar Davids made three changes to their side as Clovis Kamdjo, Andy Yiadom and Jon Nurse all came into the starting XI.

Barnet began the contest strongly and Kamdjo headed just wide in the opening two minutes before Andy Yiadom forced Chris Lewington into a good save.

The Daggers threatened when they pushed forward. Jake Reed curled an effort wide of Graham Stack’s post and Abu Ogogo did the same from the edge of the area soon after.

Dagenham continued to cause problems for the Barnet defence and they made the breakthrough on 16 minutes as Saunders curled the ball into the top left corner from 20 yards.

The hosts dominated the rest of the half and Barnet were fortunate to go in at the break just one goal behind.

Luke Wilkinson struck the crossbar with a powerful header and Michael Spillane headed well over the crossbar from six yards.

Neither side made a change at the interval but the Dagenham pressure continued, although they failed to create a clear opportunities to double their advantage at the start of the half.

The Daggers pressed the Barnet midfield throughout the contest and the Bees failed to maintain possession.

The Bees almost fell further behind as a cross found Sam Williams and his looping header was palmed clear by Stack.

Ogogo then struck a shot from distance over the crossbar before Stack again stopped Williams.

Barnet pushed forward in the final minutes of the game and a low cross from Elliot Johnson was almost turned in by Nurse at the back post.

The former Dagenham striker then flicked a Ricky Holmes pass towards goal but Lewington saved with his legs.

However, the Bees couldn’t find the equaliser and Dagenham saw out the game to seal victory.

Barnet return to action on Friday as they welcome Burton Albion to Underhill.

Barnet: Stack; Fuller (Weston 82), Stephens, Pearce, Johnson; Yiadom , Kamdjo, Davids, Holmes; Nurse, Hyde.

Barnet substitutes: Cowler, Fortune, Lee, Abdulla, Edgar, Weston, Iro.

Dagenham & Redbridge: Lewington, Ogogo, Doe, Wilkinson, Illesanmi; Saunders, Spillane, Howell; Elito, Reed (Woodall 72), Williams.

Dagenham & Redbridge substitutes: Seabright, Wakefield, Scott, Maher, Hoyte, Woodall, Bingham.

Attendance: 2220 (335).