Razor-Sharp Phillips nicks it for the Terras
By Matt Pitman

14th January 2001

Weymouth succeeded where Premiership giants Charlton Athletic failed so miserably - they beat Conference outfit Dagenham and Redbridge.

The Terras had loan star Lee Phillips to thank for a dramatic last-minute
winner that earned them a deserved place in the last 32 of the FA Umbro
Trophy.

The swift move which led to the stoppage time strike started deep inside
Weymouth's half when, with the hosts searching desperately for a winner, the
visitors launched a lightning counter- attack down the right flank.

With Daggers defenders struggling to get back, Darran Rowbotham flicked a
ball forward to send David Laws racing away with just ex-QPR keeper Tony
Roberts to beat.

The big striker ran on and clipped over the sprawling gloveman only to see
his effort cannon off the woodwork.

But livewire Phillips was on-hand to stab home from close range, despite the
best efforts of Mark Janney on the line.

The hosts, who had fancied their chances in the Trophy this season, only created a couple of clear-cut openings - the best coming from Junior McDougald, who was Dagenham's goal hero at the Valley Midway through the second period he struck a powerful goalbound drive which was superbly turned behind by Terras keeper Danny Potter.

It was Daggers winger Matt Jones who had the first effort on goal when his second minute overhead kick drifted well wide of the visitor's upright.

Potter was then called upon to deny dangerman McDougald before Steve Forbes' dipping volley from the edge of the box whistled just wide.

But for all the host's possession it was Weymouth, with Phillips on the left wing proving to be their best outlet, who looked the more likely.

And they almost took a shock lead on 33 minutes when Phillips ran defender
Lee Goodwin ragged before whipping in a low cross from the by-line which just evaded the incoming Laws.

Moments later Mark Robinson drove narrowly wide before Roberts had to
scurry back to tip over Laws' ambitious lob from distance seven minutes before the break.

After the interval the disappointing Essex side, who will have to play far better if they are to cause an upset against the Addicks, showed brief glimpses of their impressive FA Cup form.

Substitute Mark Keen's downward header from close range went wide of
Potter's near post before the former Exeter custodian had to have his wits about him to turn Jones' wind assisted cross-cum-shot over the top.

At the other end Simon Browne wasn't far away with a speculative effort from 25 yards out on 54 minutes.

The counter attacking route looked to be Weymouth's best hope of upsetting
the odds and it took a good block from Roberts on 68 minutes to keep Phillips
at bay.

Dagenham introduced lively substitute Paul Cobb to the proceedings late on in an attempt to prize open the Terras watertight rearguard but their front trio continued to be frustrated at the lack of openings.

Phillips was still causing a nuisance for the now leg-weary home defence
although the tie looked increasingly like it was going to head back for a replay at the Wessex Stadium.

In the closing stages Potter and his defence stood firm under extreme pressure and it was following the breakdown of an umpteenth Daggers onslaught that the Terras broke away to snatch a famous victory.