Connor Essam puts in a sliding tackle against Dagenham Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham’s promotion hopes took a huge blow following a home defeat to lowly Dagenham on Monday.

Brian Woodall netted a first half opener for Dagenham at Priestfield only for the Gills to level just before the hour mark through Rowan Vine.

But on 73 minutes Dominic Green put the visitors back ahead with a great solo goal that handed the visitors the points.

Defeat leaves the Gills with a massive task now to make the League 2 play-offs.

Gillingham struggled to break Dagenham down in the opening half and found goalscoring chances extremely limited.

It was the relegation-threatened visitors who threatened first as Woodall got past defender Connor Essam but put the shot narrowly wide of the post.

A good move involving Danny Jackman and Danny Kedwell left striker Rowan Vine with a sight at goal on 19 minutes but he put the effort over the bar.

Chris Whelpdale sent a shot into the goalkeeper’s arms and Jack Payne – in on goal after robbing Mathieu Baudry of possession – saw his chance snuffed out.

Just as the Gills looked to be getting into the groove, on a difficult afternoon with a strong blustery wind, the visitors scored.

Dagenham struck in 38 minute and it was Woodall with the strike as the ball sat invitingly for him after Abu Ogogo’s cross-shot had been parried by keeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

Woodall was in on goal again moments later, after Andy Frampton gave the ball away, but he shot wide.

Lewis Montrose dragged a shot across the face of goal before the break as the Gills went in a goal behind at the interval.

Gillingham very nearly went two behind, early in the second half, after both Matt Fish and Essam were beaten by Medy Elito. He pulled the ball back and Gazzaniga pulled off a great one-handed save to deny Josh Parker.

With 58 minutes gone the Gills were all-square and it was QPR loan-man Vine with a great curling effort from just inside the box to bring the teams level.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler introduced both Danny Spiller and Jo Kuffour to give them a final push in the latter stages.

The Daggers took the lead again midway through the second half as substitute Green breezed past Danny Jackman and Jack Payne before drilling a shot past Gazzaniga.

Chris Whelpdale put a good chance wide with three minutes left as the Gills went in desperate search of another equaliser. This time it didn’t arrive.

Gillingham: Gazzaniga, Martin (Kuffour 70mins), Fish, Frampton, Essam, Jackman, Whelpdale, Payne, Montrose (Spiller 66mins), Kedwell, Vine (Oli 82mins). Subs not used: Evans, O Lee.

Dagenham: Lewington, McCrory, Doe, Arber, Elito (Akinde 92mins), Parker (Green 62mins), Ogogo, Woodall (Scott 88mins), Bingham, Baudry, Spillane. Subs not used: Hogan, Wassmer.

Attendance: 5,773