AS the sides ran out before Saturday's important match at the Deva Stadium, Chester City's ageing rocker unveiled over the PA system their first-ever attempt at a club song.

And while the ditty had all the charm and charisma of last year's Eurovision nil-pointer by Jemini, on the pitch the team hit all the right notes as they registered a last-gasp victory, which extended their lead at the top of the Nationwide Conference to eight points.

City's winner came three minutes into injury time and was a reward for the confidence and never-say-die attitude which is oozing from the side.

Chester's goals came from their own Rene and Renatta, strikers Daryl Clare and Darryn Stamp, who have now registered 37 goals between them this season in what is proving to be the most potent strike force in the Conference.

Dagenham were rarely seen as an attacking force and for long periods seemed content to frustrate City, which they did particularly well.

The home side had chances early on, with Clare and Stamp bringing saves from Roberts in the Dagenham goal.

The opening goal came after 17 minutes, when Daryl Clare scored from the penalty spot.

The kick was awarded after Smith had been brought down by a clumsy challenge from Roberts. Referee Mr Matadar had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Clare shot into the far corner, sending Roberts the other way.

Play then became scrappy, but City's new signing, Danny Williams, who has joined the club on a one-month loan deal from Kidderminster Harriers, looked a quality acquisition as he involved himself in some delightful passing movements and incisive interceptions.

As the first half drew to a close, Stamp had two good chances - a far post header that went just wide, then an effort from 10 yards that failed to hit the target.

Stamp was again in the action early in the second period. He headed a deep cross from Heard narrowly wide, then missed an open goal from six yards.

Roberts was then called into action to make two saves in quick succession. The first denied Guyett's close-range volley, then the Welsh under-21 international pushed an effort from Williams round the post for a corner.

Dagenham equalised against the run of play after 71 minutes.

Substitute Leon Braithwaite, who had been on the pitch for only three minutes, latched on to a delightful cross from Moore and powered a header home past Turner.

City then came strongly into the game and threw everything forward with substitutes Davies and Twiss instrumental in most of the positive things that emanated.

With time running out, visiting defender Vickers was fortunate when his attempted clearance of a cross from Twiss hit his own bar before looping over.

The referee indicated four minutes of added time, which proved to be eventful. McIntyre and Twiss both saw efforts competently dealt with by Roberts, but the outstanding keeper was beaten with just 30 seconds remaining.

Twiss left two men in his wake as he surged down the left before crossing to Daryn Stamp, who slid the ball into the empty net from six yards.

The joy all around the Deva Stadium was clear to see as hardly anybody had left the ground, and they had been rewarded with one of the most exciting finishes to a game that had been witnessed at the Deva for many a long day.

City boss Mark Wright said: "I am proud of the lads. They never gave up and I thought we deserved the win.

"Michael Twiss's run was sheer class. He is a tremendous player, and if he could do that sort of thing on a regular basis, he would be playing in the first division."

Wright added: "We missed chances prior to the winner but overall we certainly deserved the points.

"I am still keen to strengthen our squad and I shall be talking to my chairman about bringing in a right winger during the course of next week."

CHESTER CITY: Turner, Collins, Bolland, Guyett, McIntyre, Carey (Davies 73), Williams, Smith (Twiss 73), Heard, Stamp, Clare. Subs: Rapley, Harris, Lane.

REFEREE: M Matadar (Preston).

ATT: 2,990.