Rory Patterson free-kick edges Daggers closer to the drop.

Dagenham & Redbridge’s survival hopes were dealt a huge blow following Good Friday’s home defeat to fellow strugglers Plymouth.

Rory Patterson struck his fourth goal of the season to keep crisis-club Argyle in with a chance of beating the drop, while Daggers sixth defeat in seven games leaves them outside the bottom four on goal difference.

The first half, described by Daggers boss John Still as a ‘non-event’, brought half-chances for both side’s until the first moment of quality from Yannick Bolasie drew a fine save from Tony Roberts.

Bolasie beat defender Femi Ilesanmi to a loose ball and shot on the half-volley from 10 yards, but the Welshman dived low to his right to push the ball behind for a corner.

On the stroke of half time, Daggers best chance fell to John Akinde. The powerful forward dispossessed Curtis Nelson in midfield and exchanged passes with Jon Nurse, before firing toward goal, but Argyle keeper David Button was quickly off his line to narrow the angle.

The visitors had looked the more threatening in a low quality first half and made the perfect start to the second period, with a goal on 48 minutes.

Kari Arnason was stopped in his tracks by Arber 30 yards from goal, following a mazy run through midfield.

Patterson fired the resulting free-kick through the narrowest of gaps in the defensive wall and beyond the desperate reach of Roberts.

Plymouth keeper Button, who finished the 2008-09 season on loan at Victoria Road, made a spectacular double save to deny Akinde and Danny Green just moments later.

The home side, so desperate to take something from the game with a difficult trip to Huddersfield completing their Easter schedule, threw on Bas Savage and debutant DJ Green.

Playing with virtually six forwards, Daggers spent the final 20 minutes camped inside the visitors half, without creating a clear cut chance.

Darren Currie, Romain Vincelot and DJ Green all had efforts blocked, and despite goal-scorer Patterson seeing red for a second bookable offence on 89 minutes, Plymouth held on for a vital three points that may be the turning point in both club’s seasons.

Dag & Red: Roberts, Ogogo, Doe (Antwi 65), Arber, Ilesanmi (Savage 81), Danny Green, Vincelot, Gain, Currie, Nurse, Akinde (DJ Green 76). Subs: Lewington, Bingham, Lee, Morgan.

Attendance: 3,559 (including 804 away supporters).