Expert's view: What can Chester FC expect from Dagenham & Redbridge?

After suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Gateshead on the opening day of the season on Saturday, Chester FC get their home campaign under way this evening against Dagenham & Redbridge (August 9, 7.45pm).

The Daggers, relegated from League Two at the end of last season, will arrive at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium in buoyant mood having beaten Southport 3-0 at home at the weekend.

Today we caught up with Ned Keating, Daggers reporter for the Barking & Dagenham Post , to find about more about what lies in store for the Blues this evening.

Was the win over Southport as convincing as it sounds?

Ned Keating (NK): "Pretty much. As good as Dagenham were, Southport were very poor and we fully deserved the win.

"There seems to be a lot of fight in the club this season and the mood has changed dramatically from what is was last season when we were battling against relegation.

"There was a lot more attacking intent on Saturday, something which we haven't seen for quite a while down here and it was pleasing to watch.

"Nobody's getting carried away but it was a great way for us to start the season."

Is promotion the aim?

NK: "I think that is has to be.

"The board released a statement during the summer that we didn't have the budget in place to match the top six. There has been talk of investment but I do think that the club are aiming to be challenging for an immediate return to the Football League."

What about John Still?

NK: "There aren't too many managers who know the National League like John Still does.

"We're not just talking about him winning in with Maidstone United in 1989, he won in only a couple of years ago with Luton Town so he knows what it takes to get out of this division and the kind of players that you need.

"There is a blend of youth and experience there and having him as manager at this level is a major plus."

Who is the Daggers' dangerman?

NK: "Fejiri Okenabirhie scored the opening goal for us on Saturday and the fans are already in love with him.

"For the first time in a long time I saw a winger for us screaming for the ball all the time. When something didn't go his way he just shook it off and went looking for the ball again. He was really impressive.

"He's only 20 and looks a real prospect. We signed him from Harrow Borough in the summer and he began his career in the youth set-up at Arsenal, so he has an excellent grounding in the game.

"He can cause real problems."