York City scored three goals for the first time under Chris Brass to end a nine-month run without an away win.

The Minstermen's first victory on their travels in 2004 - a sequence that has taken in 12 matches since last December's 2-1 triumph at Rochdale - also saw Darren Dunning grab a late brace after Paul Groves had given the visitors a 23rd-minute lead.

Brass' first three-goal haul came in his 55th game in charge of the Minstermen and it could easily have been more.

Gary Pearson made his first start since his red card at Aldershot on the opening day and brought an extra dimension to City's midfield.

Strong in the air and in the tackle, he also possesses a powerful shot and displayed a willingness to switch play with a series of long passes.

Pearson's inclusion in the centre of midfield also saw Dunning move on to the left flank and last season's player of the year responded with the kind of performance that could lead to a permanent switch.

Dunning, who rarely ventures into the penalty box as a central midfielder, operated more effectively in the final third of the pitch at Victoria Road and illustrated his finishing ability with two well-taken strikes.

City also passed the ball better than they have at any stage this year with Andy Bishop, Lee Nogan and Kevin Donovan particularly prudent in possession.

Brass' return to the centre of defence alongside skipper Steve Davis has led to a more resilient and organised backline in front of teenage goalkeeper David Stockdale, who earned the right to extend his stay in the first team with a faultless display.

The 18-year-old stopper's decision making was exemplary throughout and came to the fore on the two occasions when he raced off his line to head and punch clear after City's defence had been breached.

He also made two fine second half saves to protect his team's one-goal advantage before Dunning's late strikes ensured a fair scoreline.

City dominated the first half but only after an early scare when Pearson conceded possession on five minutes to send Conference hot-shot Craig Moore clear on goal.

Fortunately, Moore did not display the predatory skills that had attracted a Cardiff City scout to Saturday's game and dragged his shot wide with only Stockdale to beat.

City then took control with Bishop narrowly missing the target with a header and a dipping 15-yard volley while Nogan forced two early saves.

It was left to Groves though to break the deadlock. Dunning crossed the ball to the far post after seeing a corner, won by Dave Merris' adventurous run, cleared. Bishop then headed across the face of goal where Davis could not get a decisive touch but helped the ball reach Groves, who fired in from close range.

City continued to attack in a one-sided half with Brass heading over and Donovan and Bishop both stinging Tony Roberts' hands with low drives.

The visitors' only first half problems were self-inflicted with Merris, like Pearson earlier, slightly fortunate not to be punished for gifting the ball to the opposition.

Dagenham improved slightly after the interval and, after Pearson had a bouncing volley cleared off the line by Ashley Vickers, Stockdale was required to make two good saves.

He denied Jack Midson both times, first reacting instinctively to keep out a close-range effort with his legs and then saving the Daggers striker's shot on the turn.

City seized the initiative again afterwards with Pearson's 25-yard piledriver testing Roberts and a belated second goal arrived on 86 minutes when substitute Lev Yalcin won an aerial challenge and the ball broke loose to Dunning.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who had only previously scored from free-kicks and the penalty spot for City, then rifled a left-footed shot into Roberts' bottom right-hand corner from the edge of the penalty area.

He waited just three minutes to find the net again when Paul Robinson unselfishly threaded the ball through to Dunning who, unmarked again, neatly slipped the ball under the body of an advancing Roberts from ten yards.

Midson clipped the bar from 25 yards in the final minute but City's fans were already celebrating three points and three goals by that stage.

Just seven days after supporters vented their anger and frustration at their under-performing team at Gravesend, Saturday's efforts were greeted with rapturous applause at the final whistle.

Dag & Red 0, York City 3 (Groves 23, Dunning 86, 89 )

Stockdale 8, Law 7, Davis 8, Brass 8, Merris 8, Donovan 7, Pearson 8(Harrison 82m), Groves 8, Dunning 9, Bishop 8 (Robinson 81m, Nogan 7 (Yalcin 71)

Subs (not used): Stewart, Reid

Star man: Darren Dunning - Two clinical finishes that made victory certain. Could now be a permanent fixture on left side of midfield

Key: 10 - Faultless; 9 - Outstanding; 8 - Excellent; 7 - Good; 6 - Average; 5 - Below par; 4 - Poor; 3 - Dud; 2 - Hopeless; 1 - Retire

Dagenham & Redbridge: Roberts, Goodwin, Vickers, Uddin, Blackett, Janney, Leberl (Mackail-Smith 62), Southam (Boot 76), Flynn (Danny Hill 62), Midson, Moore. Subs not used: Baruwa, Griffiths.

Yellow cards: Moore 87

Red card: None

Referee: Darren Deadman (Lincs). Rating: Sensible decisions and a good display.

Attendance: 1,475

Weather watch: 90F caused regular drink breaks.

Game breaker: Chris Moore's glaring fifth-minute miss. If he had scored, it could have been a very different story.

Match rating: Comfortably City's best performance of the season with quality added to an impressive work ethic. Dagenham were outclassed.

Updated: 11:39 Monday, September 06, 2004