Long trip north to Cumbria for John Still’s men

FOLLOWING an enforced break of nearly three weeks, Dagenham & Redbridge hope to return to action tomorrow with one of the most gruelling trips on the League One schedule.

The Victoria Road club postponed the home game against Huddersfield Town due to concerns about the safety of stands and walkways at the ground, and last played at Plymouth Argyle on November 23.

Now they make the long coach ride to Cumbria to take on Carlisle United, who also saw their scheduled fixture at Leyton Orient fall victim to the weather last week.

Quick-thinking Blue ground staff managed to cover their Brunton Park playing surface before snow began to fall heavily in the area and, despite low temperatures, the match will go ahead.

John Still’s men will be underdogs for the fixture with Carlisle in blistering form at their home base.

Greg Abbott’s side played hosts on an astonishing seven occasions in November, winning six times and drawing 1-1 against Rochdale.

The hot streak also included victories over promotion contenders Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday, although Charlton Athletic and Peterborough United have won at Boundary Park this season.

Physically imposing striker Gary Madine, who stands at six feet, five inches tall, is the mains goal threat for the Cumbrians and has hit 13 goals in all competitions this season.

Like many sides in League One, they also boast a healthy compliment of loan players, with Arsenal and England under-19 defender Thomas Cruise has impressed since joining last month.

He is set to line up alongside Manchester United youngster James Chester in defence.

Meanwhile, striker Kayleden Brown has extended his loan at Daggers for another month until January 9. The Welsh under-19 international could keep his place for tomorrow’s game.