Dagenham still on for Cup upset

Norwich 0, Dagenham 0 (half-time)

Goalkeeper Tony Roberts helped Dagenham stay on course for another FA Cup upset with a fine first-half performance against Norwich at Carrow Road.

Roberts, who was on the verge of joining Norwich in 1998 before a last-minute change of heart by then City boss Bruce Rioch, made several fine saves to keep the tie scoreless at the break.

The Nationwide Conference club, who beat Second Division Plymouth in the previous round, were grateful to Roberts for preventing them from making the worst possible start.

Norwich striker David Nielsen, without a goal since November 2, unleashed a shot after just 75 seconds but Roberts pulled off a great save to deny the Dane.

Dagenham, beaten once in their last 15 games in all competitions, went straight up the other end and it needed an equally fine stop from City’s Rob Green to foil Danny Shipp.

Roberts foiled the home side again in the 16th minute, this time Darel Russell - nearly two years without a goal – was left frustrated.

Moments later Dagenham defender Mark Smith flung himself across goal to block Phil Mulryne’s shot.

Norwich, who have failed to score in the first half for the last 10 games, created two further chances in the space of as many minutes midway through the opening period.

First, Russell saw his second shot of the afternoon kept out by Roberts.

Then 13-goal top scorer Paul McVeigh, back following a hamstring injury, saw his drive from the edge of the penalty box smothered by the inspired visiting goalkeeper.

Dagenham, who took Charlton to a replay two years ago, recovered their composure and had a good opportunity for themselves on the half hour.

Norwich defender Malky Mackay fouled Steve West 25 yards out. The Dagenham striker picked himself up to take the free-kick and forced Green into a smart save.

Roberts was by far the busier of the two goalkeepers and was called into action again eight minutes before the break, thwarting Mulryne from 30 yards.

City reached the semi-finals of the competition when they last faced a non-league side – beating Sutton 8-0 in the 1988-89 season.

But they must first breach a dogged Dagenham defence to book a place in the fifth round for the first time in eight years.