DAGENHAM & Redbridge boss Ben Strevens was left gutted following his side’s 2-2 draw at National League rivals Southend United on Bank Holiday Monday.

The Daggers fought back from a goal down to lead 2-1 heading into stoppage time.

But a last-gasp header from Shrimpers wing-back Gus Scott-Morriss saw the game end all square, much to the disappointment of Strevens.

“I’m gutted,” said Strevens.

“We were suffering in those last 10 minutes and they were putting loads of players forwards.

“We got to the 88th, 89th minute and I actually felt really comfortable.

“But the seven minutes of injury time going up gave everyone in the crowd a lift and spurred the players on even more.

“I said to them at half-time that we would have to suffer at moments because we’re away to Southend and there’s a big crowd here (8,495).

“We knew there were tired bodies after the other day so I knew we would have to suffer, but that when we got there at the end it’s going to be worth it and we were so close.

“I’m just so gutted.”

Southend started on the front foot and opened the scoring after just five minutes when midfielder Oli Coker fired home a pass from Harry Cardwell.

However, Dagenham rallied and drew level in the 29th minute when Reece Grego-Cox scored from the penalty spot after Dion Pereira had been brought down in the box by Jack Bridge.

Strevens’ side then went in front in the 74th minute following an assured finish from Josh Rees who confidently netted his third goal of the season after Josh Umerah’s shot had deflected into his path.

But the Daggers were unable to hold on as, four minutes into stoppage time, Scott-Morriss headed home a right wing cross from Jack Wood to ensure the match ended all square.

“We’ll take the point and lots of positives to get to the point where we were 2-1 ahead but the frustration is obviously we couldn’t see it out,” said Strevens, who saw his side concede an 83rd-minute equaliser in a 1-1 home draw with Halifax on Friday night.

“I can’t say they weren’t throwing loads of pressure on us, of course they were.

“The crowd is right behind them and the ball is coming into our box.

“We had to defend for our lives and it was a hard one to take with the goal against us at the end.

“But there was no lack of commitment in trying to stop it happening.”

Dagenham were roared on by 758 travelling fans at Roots Hall and Strevens was desperate to repay their support.

“It was a proper, proper game of football between two teams I believe are good teams,” said Strevens.

“But all I was hoping for was that moment at the end when we can run towards the supporters having won the game.

“It’s all I thought about in the last 24 hours knowing how much it means.

“The support stayed with us even after the first goal went in and we were just close to giving them a brilliant day.”

Daggers host York City at Victoria Road on Saturday (3pm).