WEYMOUTH manager David Oldfield admitted the Terras’ 2-1 defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge “stings”.

Oldfield’s men had deservedly gone ahead in their Vanarama National League clash at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

Their opener came via Josh McQuoid’s seventh goal of the season and was made by a sumptuous diagonal ball from Sean Shields.

However, Dagenham roared back in the second half as sub Josh Walker stroked home before Paul McCallum reacted quickest to head home after keeper Ross Fitzsimons’ brilliant save.

For all the positives in the Weymouth performance, defeat widened the gap to safety with Maidenhead now nine points ahead in 20th place.

READ MORE: Weymouth 1-2 Dagenham & Redbridge - match report

Speaking post-match, Oldfield said: “I think we did just perhaps fall away. We tried very hard, I’m very pleased with the players.

“They tried to execute what we wanted to do and they worked very hard, they were a collective group.

“They scored a super goal and we’ve got a lot of lessons to learn from this second half.

“But we need to make sure we take the positives out of it and realise that we’re not quite where we need to be on all aspects. We go again and move forward.

“I did think we took a forward step on Saturday and we’ve taken another forward step (yesterday), albeit small ones.”

He added: “We need to take this one on the chin. It stings at the moment and hurts but overall it was a good effort.

“The players’ attitude was only matched by the supporters, they were fantastic. They were singing at the end, during the game, they were supportive and really noisy so thank you for the fans for supporting us.

“Irrespective of results, we have to try and feel better.”

Prior to kick-off, Weymouth announced the heavily-rumoured loan signing of Aaron Drewe from QPR – Oldfield having loaned the defender during his time at Oxford City.

Dorset Echo: Aaron Drewe has joined on loan until the end of the season Picture: MARK PROBINAaron Drewe has joined on loan until the end of the season Picture: MARK PROBIN

Drewe was named man of the match for an energetic display and Oldfield highlighted his qualities.

He told Echosport: “Aaron is a really good person, he wants to be a good footballer and get that experience.

“Hopefully we can benefit from his undoubted ability, willingness and quality.

“First of all, what we brought him in for is to join the group and show that attitude and willingness.

“The players have responded, they’ve had a good week. They’ve showed battling qualities and persevered.

“We have so much to learn, so it’s another opportunity we need to grab.”

Oldfield also confirmed Andy Robinson and Josh Leslie-Smith are injured, while Ben Thomson is edging closer to a return.

“They’re all injured,” Oldfield revealed. “We had one left out of the 16 who was fit, so the other boys are doing their best to get over their injuries.

“Some are at different stages and parts of their rehab. We’re hopeful one or two might join us soon but we have quite a few players in total.

“We need to manage that and make sure we’ve got players that can really affect us on the pitch.

“Thommo was around, worked before the game and is much closer.

“Josh got a knock on his head in training so we have to be careful with that.”