Dagenham manager John Still. Pic: Dave Simpson/TGSPHOTO

Dagenham & Redbridge manager John Still impressed by second half showing in 2-1 defeat to Torquay.

Dagenham & Redbridge boss John Still believes his side’s improvement in the second half should have led to a point from their trip to Torquay.

But Abu Ogogo’s own goal 10 minutes from time saw them edged out 2-1 by the Gulls and Still insisted were unfortunate to come away with nothing to show for their efforts.

“I didn’t think we deserved to get beaten,” he said. “I thought it was very even and the second goal is unfortunate with the deflection, you cannot do anything about that.

“I was disappointed with the first one we conceded as Chris Lewington has got to do better with that.

“But I didn’t think there was a lot in the game and I thought we did enough to get something out of the game.”

The Daggers rarely caused the home side any trouble in the opening period, but the half-time team-talk certainly did the trick as they enjoyed the lion’s share of chances in the second half.

Most of those opportunities fell to Matt Saunders and Still was pleased with the 23-year-old, though he believed his side should have tested Gulls keeper Michael Poke more.

“It was a good goal and he had another couple of good efforts,” he added.

“Once or twice I thought we could have got our shot off earlier but the pitch was difficult, very wet and didn’t always run true if I am being honest for either side.”

Jake Caprice replaced Michael Spillane midway through the second period for his first action since joining on loan from Championship outfit Blackpool.

And Still was pleased with his introduction, though is expecting more to come from the 20-year-old winger.

“He can deliver and has good feet, but he hasn’t quite got what we are into yet, though I thought he did okay today,” he said.

“We pushed the two wide men on in the second half and got the goal. I think we could have gone on to win it. We did try to go for it and be positive but it wasn’t to be.”