Dagenham & Redbridge boss John Still hailed Tuesday’s narrow defeat to Brighton as his side’s best performance of the season.

Daggers threatened to spoil the Seagulls night, taking the lead in the first minute of the match and then overturning a half-time deficit to lead just six minutes into the second period.

But Brighton battled back to claim three points and seal promotion, leaving Still’s side just a point clear of the relegation zone, however, he was keen to focus on the overwhelming positives from the team’s excellent display.

“I thought we were fantastic, I thought that was probably our best performance of the season,” he said.

“We’ve come here and attacked them, we’ve played with energy, we’ve played with power, we’ve played with pace and put in a fantastic performance against a team that’s run away with the championship, so I’m absolutely delighted with it.

“As many problems as they’ve caused us, we’ve caused them. You’re not going to get points without a performance and we’ve come here to Brighton, who are unbeaten (at home) and Gus Poyet said to me ‘that’s the best side we’ve played here’.

“We’ve come here to be smashed out of sight for their celebration and they were hanging on at the end, so I’m delighted with that.

“I think the people who have watched us today have seen what Dagenham can do.”

Daggers had matched their opponents for long periods of the game and limited Brighton to long-range efforts.

Casper Ankergren was certainly the busier of the two goalkeepers and Still was delighted with the way his team defended.

“Most of their efforts were long-range efforts, they had some great efforts, but not too much in the box, I thought the back four defended our box terrifically well,” he said.

“They’re a big powerful side and their corners caused us problems, but the amazing thing is Tony hasn’t had too many saves to make.

“Their goal to bring it back to 3-3 was a fantastic strike, they’re not going to play in the Championship because they’re an ordinary team, they’re going to play in the Championship because they’ve got top players.

“I think we deserved a share of the points tonight, but football’s not like that and when I look at the inexperience in my team and what they’ll learn from these games, hopefully we can battle on and stay up and then I think we’ll bring a lot more to the party next season.”