DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE 1 HARRIERS 3

IAN Britton emphasised his desire to keep Kidderminster Harriers in the winning groove by fielding arguably his strongest available line-up at Dagenham and Redbridge in the LDV Trophy.

And the manager's move paid off as Harriers strolled to a comfortable 3-1 victory at their old Conference opponents to move into the southern section's second round on Tuesday.

Kidderminster conquered Conference opposition in Doncaster Rovers on their travels last season and this year they proved too strong for the 2001/02 runners-up in non-league's premier competition.

Britton's confident team have now recorded four wins in a row away from home, scoring 10 goals in the process.

They put together a professional display for the first hour or so with goals from John Melligan, Sam Shilton and sub Dean Bennett.

But their concentration slipped slightly to allow Dagenham, who decided to rest a few first teamers, a goal back on 71 minutes through midfielder Mark Janney.

Harriers made just one change from Saturday's Shrewsbury win with Scott Stamps out injured and on-loan Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Kenny Coleman taking his place.

They took the game to their hosts early on, playing good football before taking the lead on 19 minutes.

Melligan fired home his third goal for the club from 12 yards after influential work from Shilton and skipper Sean Flynn.

Craig Hinton and Shilton had earlier missed good chances before the lively latter had a shot well palmed away by keeper Paul Gothard.

However, it was Drewe Broughton who so nearly grabbed an elusive first goal of the season on 37 minutes only for his drive from a Bo Henriksen pass to be beaten away by Gothard.

Shilton, a growing force in the Harriers midfield, gained his rewards on 39 minutes with an important second strike before half-time.

He brilliantly lobbed the advancing Gothard after running onto Adie Smith's long pass from the back.

Striker Ian Foster and Dean Bennett, who slotted into the right side of midfield, were both given some much-needed match action at half-time.

And Bennett opened his account for the season with a third on 49 minutes as he followed up a rebound from his own shot after Shilton's in-swinging cross.

But the home side improved in the second period and Junior McDougald fired into the side netting on 63 minutes after beating the offside trap.

Foster sliced over the bar from close range soon after as Harriers threatened to make the scoreline embarrassing on the break.

Dagenham's determination led to the consolation strike from Janney who was set up by sub Yohance Lewis' precise through-ball.

However, Harriers' superior fitness showed in the late stages as Broughton, Foster and Sean Parrish went close before Shilton had an effort ruled out for offside with five minutes left.

The early rounds of the LDV may well be incredibly low key but try telling that to Harriers as they continue their winning habit.

DAGENHAM: Gothard; Rooney, Cole (Lewis 54), Smith, Vickers; Janney, Shipp, Perkins (Murat 46), Mayo; Fletcher (West 46), McDougald. Subs: Matthews, Roberts.

HARRIERS: Brock 7; Coleman 7, Ayres 7, Smith 8 (Bennett 46, 7); Hinton 7, Melligan 8, Williams 7 (Parrish 57, 6), Flynn 8, SHILTON 9; Broughton 7, Henriksen 7 (Foster 46, 6). Subs: Joy, Danby. ATTENDANCE: 742.

SHOTS ON: Dagenham 3, Harriers 6.

SHOTS OFF: Dagenham 3, Harriers 7.

CORNERS: Dagenham 6, Harriers 5.

GOALS: Melligan 21, Shilton 39, Bennett 49, Janney 71.

YELLOW CARDS: Dagenham 1 (Perkins), Harriers 0.

SHUTTLE STAR MAN: Sam Shilton. Scored the second goal and played a part in the other two in another lively wing display from the revitalised midfielder. Appears to have found his best position on the left side of a five-man midfield.