Daggers defender feels the team did more than enough to win against Southend on Monday

Defender Femi Ilesanmi felt Daggers played well enough to win their game with rivals Southend on Monday.

After falling behind to Michael Timlin’s first-half goal, John Still’s men gained the reward for their second-half domination with a late equaliser from Brian Woodall.

However, they carved out 14 goal attempts in the match and Ilesanmi admitted a third straight victory would have been richly deserved.

“Everyone would think that coming here and getting a point is a good result, but based on how we played I think we deserved three points,” said the 20-year-old. “Unfortunately it didn’t come, but hopefully we’ll get more good results and kick on from here.”

Woodall’s late goal earned Daggers the draw, but in the final seconds Ilesanmi made a point-saving tackle to deny Anthony Grant a winning goal.

However, the modest left-back felt all the praise belonged to his in-form team-mate.

“It was an alright tackle,” said Ilesanmi. “But I have to thank Brian Woodall for getting us in the game, because if he doesn’t score that goal we would have lost.”

Ilesanmi is currently enjoying an extended run in the team, with regular left-back Damien McCrory sidelined with an ankle injury.

The Daggers squad has been decimated by injuries throughout the season and despite a recent improvement, resources remain stretched with regular defenders Mark Arber and Abu Ogogo missing at Roots Hall through injury and suspension respectively.

But Ilesanmi feels the team’s good form is testament to the depth in their squad.

“There’s a lot more confidence, lots of players are coming back and the team is strong,” he said.

“There’s competition for places, so everyone knows they’ve got to do well to keep their place in the team.”