Sam Sloma played the supersub role as he came off the bench to help Dagenham & Redbridge maintain League 2 status after coming from two goals down to win at Darlington. The 25-year-old midfielder started the comeback with a close-range finish seven minutes after joining the action.

The strike was his second in the league and fourth of the campaign. Sloma said: “It’s a massive weight off our shoulders. I didn’t think we’d go down but trailing 2-0 against a team that has qualified for the playoffs, things looked ominous. Last year we were winning every week and it becomes a habit. It’s the same when you’re losing but it’s great to be safe.”

A change in formation and tactics has seen Sloma play a bit part in recent weeks. He said: “I haven’t played as much as I’d have liked to so it was pleasing to be involved again.” He expects to hear if he will be offered a contract during the next fortnight.