Hitchin Town vs Dagenham & Redbridge

Dagenham took the lead inside the opening 12 minutes. Kane Crichlow's corner from the right found former Premier League striker Andy Carroll, who rose unchallenged to power a header past Hitchin goalkeeper Tyler McGregor. The provider clocked the goal at 8 minutes; Hitchin's match report recorded it at 12.

The visitors nearly doubled their lead almost immediately. Josh Addae's long throw was flicked on by Carroll, Charley Beautyman's effort was saved, and McGregor somehow kept out Sam Graham's close-range follow-up. Crichlow remained central to Dagenham's attacking play, cutting inside to force another save before slipping Noah Coppin through on goal, only for McGregor to deny him again.

Hitchin's best chance came after 29 minutes when Cole Butler fed Kye Tearle, whose shot was saved. Tearle went off injured before half-time.

Dagenham changed all 10 outfield players at the break. The second half was a more disjointed affair, with Hitchin also rotating. Kayden Harrack came closest to extending the lead when his looping volley clipped the crossbar.

The Daggers sealed the win in the 81st minute. Trialist F's corner was met by Jet Dyer, who rose highest to nod home from close range — another set-piece header, repeating the pattern of the first goal.

Carroll's early header set the tone. Once Dagenham led inside the first 12 minutes, they could control the tempo of a pre-season fixture without needing to chase the game. The two goals shared a DNA — both from corners, both powerful headers — exposing a vulnerability Hitchin will want to address before the Southern League Premier Central season begins.

Andy Carroll (Dagenham & Redbridge) — Played only the first half but was the dominant presence. His header opened the scoring, and his physicality caused problems all evening. Still a formidable aerial threat at 37.

Tyler McGregor (Hitchin Town) — Kept the scoreline respectable with several sharp saves, denying Beautyman, Graham, Crichlow, and Coppin in the first half alone. Hitchin's player of the match by some distance.

Kane Crichlow (Dagenham & Redbridge) — Provided the corner for Carroll's opener and was a persistent threat cutting inside from the right. Created multiple chances before being substituted at half-time.

Jet Dyer (Dagenham & Redbridge) — Entered at half-time and scored the second goal with a well-directed header, effectively sealing the win.

The match statistics page shows a 0-2 scoreline with goals in the 8th and 81st minutes and no cards. The raw numbers reflect a game that was never particularly tight. Dagenham's first-half XI — featuring the experience of Carroll and the energy of Crichlow — dominated possession and created the clearer chances. The second half was more even as both sides made wholesale changes, but the Daggers still found a second goal from a set piece. Hitchin's four-match pre-season home run — 0-2 vs Barnet, 0-5 vs Luton Town, 0-2 vs Dagenham — shows a pattern of conceding goals without reply. The Canaries have scored zero goals in three home friendlies, a concern for the step up to Step 3.

Dagenham & Redbridge made it back-to-back pre-season wins after beating Newmarket Town 4-1 on 11 July, following a 0-0 draw at Hornchurch. Lee Allinson's side continue their preparations away to Hashtag United on 18 July, then face a home friendly on 1 August (TBC). The National League South season kicks off in August.

For Hitchin Town, this was their final home friendly of pre-season after losses to Barnet (0-2) and Luton Town (0-5), and a 2-0 win at Eynesbury Rovers on 4 July. They travel to Stotfold on 25 July before beginning their Southern League Premier Central campaign.

A controlled, professional workout for Dagenham against a Hitchin side two tiers below. The two headed goals from corners were simple but effective — a reminder of Carroll's enduring quality and a blueprint for how the Daggers might approach set pieces in the league season. Hitchin competed well in patches but have work to do in front of goal before the real action starts.