Boreham Wood stepped up their pre-season campaign with a well-deserved drubbing of Conference League title favourites Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday.

In an even opening, both sides had chances to take the lead. After ten minutes new Wood striker Luke Bauckham went clear, with only Tony Roberts in the Dagenham goal to beat, but he sent his shot agonisingly wide.

Dagenham's own hot-shot striker, Junior McDougal, then went clear, only to send a weak effort straight into the arms of the advancing keeper.

Wood then settled down and began to dominate, especially in the midfield, with Howard bossing proceedings.

Their all-important breakthrough came just before half-time. Impressive midfielder Corey Browne went on a fine run before crossing to Bauckham, who made no mistake from ten yards, bringing his tally to three goals in five pre-season games.

Wood dominated throughout the second half, although centre forward Dixon squandered chance after chance. Midfield new boy Marvin Walker created havoc and is certainly one to look out for this season.

Wood's perseverance was finally rewarded when a Mark Cartlidge run and cross down the left allowed Dixon to side foot home, leaving the Daggers keeper grasping thin air.

With Dagenham's defence now in disarray, Wood poured forward and more goals seemed inevitable.

The scoring was rounded off in the 83rd minute, when the ever-willing left wing back Cartlidge arrived unmarked in the Dagenham box. He was found with an inch perfect cross from Dixon and was left with an easy tap in.

Things certainly seem to be progressing well down at Meadow Park at present. New defensive signings like Colin Wall and Scott Holding are bedding in well, alongside established defenders Garry Wotton and skipper Lee Harvey, giving a solid look and much-needed competition for places.

Gary Howard and Marvin Walker have added bite and pace in midfield, with trialist Mark Cartlidge impressing more and more down the left hand side.

If there is a criticism of Boreham Wood so far this pre-season, it has to be the number of chances created and not converted.

This will need to be addressed, if hopes of success are not to disappear as early as the September sun.

With a little over two weeks left until Wood's first league game, away at Chesham United, manager Micky Engwell will finalise his squad for the current campaign in the next week.

"We'll end up with around 16 or 17 players in the squad and, with the strong reserve and youth team set up now in place, we feel confident we'll be ready," he said.

"I want success for this club and there will be no sentiment in my decisions. A few players are in for a shock."

Boreham Wood 3

Dagenham and Redbridge 0

Pre-season friendly