Full-time: Accrington Stanley 1 Dagenham & Redbridge 0

9:38pm Friday 4th April 2008

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PHIL Edwards was the unlikely hero as 10-man Accrington Stanley beat Dagenham 1-0 at the Fraser Eagle Stadium to all but secure their Football League status.

The Reds defender scored the only goal of a highly-charged encounter on 47 minutes, heading Ian Craney's corner through a crowd of bodies and past Daggers goalkeeper Tony Roberts.

It means Stanley are now 11 points clear of the League Two relegation zone with just four games to play, although the Daggers are still looking nervously over their shoulder.

The Reds got off to an encouraging start, with Craney's third minute free-kick well saved by Roberts.

At the other end, Stanley stopper Kenny Arthur kept out a smart effort from Paul Benson, while Dave Rainford put a header well wide.

Edwards nodded Accrington ahead just after the half-time interval, but the home side then went into their shell with Dagenham doing most of the pressing.

Ben Strevens and Mark Arber came closest for the visitors, but Arthur was never really truly tested in the Stanley goal.

Stanley were reduced to 10 men with two minutes of normal time remaining, when Leam Richardson was given a second yellow card for time-wasting.

And in the dying moments, Ian Craney and Daggers midfielder Peter Gain were booked following an ugly melee.