Defender Ryan Tafazolli was pleased with our much-improved defensive display in today’s 0-0 draw at Dagenham & Redbridge.
Despite the hosts having the better chances at the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Stadium, they were unable to find their way through the Stags defence.
Tafazolli believes our team registered a well-earned point this afternoon, as we bounced back from a disappointing 4-1 defeat at home to Bury on Tuesday.
“I think I emphasised in midweek how we needed to have a good ‘bounce-back-ability’ and we showed today we can put in solid performances when we need to,” said the defender.
“I’m grateful we kept a clean sheet away from home, as well as picking up a very important point.”
He continued: “It was one of those games similar to when we played Portsmouth where we feel we might have done enough to win the game, but at the same time Dagenham had a few chances to take all three points themselves.
“The manager said to us to do what we are good at, bring it back to basics and that’s what we did today. I think it paid off and we looked resilient throughout the 90 minutes.
“It was a good game to play in because I didn’t feel they were going to score.
“A few of their players played through a couple of good balls and maybe they could have scored once or twice, but we could have done the same. I think if we could have scored we would have gone on to win the game.”
Despite not finding the back of the net, Tafazolli praised the ever-impressive Matt Rhead, who won countless aerial duels and constantly causing the Daggers’ defence problems.
“I don’t think anyone in this league could defend against Matt Rhead,” continued Tafazolli. “No matter what standard that is at, I think it would be the same.
“He’s a very strong player and we know how hard it can be to play up against him sometimes.”
He added: “I think 0-0 was about right this afternoon. Both teams deserved the point so I am happy with that.”
