Dagenham & Redbridge: Wayne Burnett slams 'abysmal' defending

Dagenham interim manager Wayne Burnett has criticised his defence following their 4-2 loss to Bristol Rovers.

The Daggers were 3-0 down within 20 minutes and have now gone five League Two games without a win.

"The defending was absolutely pathetic and abysmal. Those are the only words I can use," he told BBC London 94.9.

"You can't afford to give goals away the way we did. Some of our decision-making was horrendous and people are at fault for goals."

He continued: "Not even teams like Manchester United could come back from giving three goals away at home.

"We managed to get a goal back and another in the second half but there are no excuses. The performances simply weren't acceptable."

Dagenham's winless run means the east London club have work to do to ensure their Football League status.

They are only three points above the relegation zone - and are one of eight clubs separated by just four points.

Burnett made his players aware of their responsibilities in his post-match team talk.

"We know the position we are in now. It is clear and we don't hide that fact.

"Unless everyone comes together, gets on the boat and rows it in the right direction, it doesn't happen," he said.

"We said we can't have anyone we need to carry along at this stage of the season.

"We are just outside the drop zone so it is in our favour, but it is tough. I dread if it goes down to the last game of the season because I am out there now kicking every ball."

Burnett is in charge of the Daggers until the end of the season following John Still's departure in February to take charge of non-league Luton Town, but last weekend, the 41-year-old told Lake Kick Off London and the South East he is keen to take the job on permanently.

"We are going to have a meeting with the board," he said.

"They have been very, very supportive. We are going to wait and see and hopefully it can materialise.

"They have not given me any clear indication of what is going to happen but we shall see.

"I'm hopeful. I've made it quite clear that I'd like the job and hopefully I can take the club forward."