Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor praises Dagenham & Redbridge goalkeeper Elliot Justham following 1-0 win

Luke Armstrong’s first half header helped Pools stretch their unbeaten record to 10 National League matches as they kept pace with the sides at the top of the table to remain second.

But the opening 45-minutes saw The Daggers squander a number of good opportunities before the visitors found the crucial breakthrough.

“We could have conceded early on and after a good start, we found things difficult in the first half once they got used to us and banked in,” Challinor told The Mail.

"So to get the goal from the set-piece just before half-time is a big plus. Once we got that goal, hit the post soon after, you just hope those moments after half-time with Luke and Gav [Holohan’s] chances, don’t come back and bite you.

“Thankfully they didn't and we go away from a really tough away place with three points. It’s a long way home made all the more enjoyable having won.”

Each of Pools’ last four wins have been by a 1-0 scoreline but Tuesday night’s match would have been far more comfortable had it not been for the goalkeeping heroics of Elliot Justham.

The Daggers stopper made several top quality saves in the second half to keep the hosts in the game. And it’s not the first time he’s been a thorn in Challinor’s side.

“He had a blinder and it’s the second time he’s done it against me,” added the Pools boss.

“Last time, his partner gave birth on the Friday night and he was in the hospital all night then rocked up at the ground and had an absolute worldie and got man of the match.

“We lost that game 1-0 when we should have potentially won by four or five.

“He’s done the same tonight but we’ve been able to get the all important goal that has won us the game but without doubt he kept them in the game and made it a tougher second half for us than we hoped it would be.

"It’s a great scoreline 1-0 but I'd prefer it to be 4-0 and us being a bit more comfortable in the end.”

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