Stockport’s National League campaign got off to a disappointing start as an impressive Dagenham & Redbridge side came from behind to win 3-1 at Edgeley Park on the opening day of the National League season.

Striker Paddy Madden almost had the opener early on when new boy Ben Whitfield released his strike partner through on goal.

Madden raced clear, with defender Will Wright pouncing on a slight delay to block the eventual shot on goal.

County weren’t to be denied a second time, with Madden instrumental as the former Fleetwood man pulled back for John Rooney to sweep home his first of the new campaign.

A lively Dagenham side, tipped for a play-off push this year, pushed for a leveller, with only a brilliant Ben Hinchliffe save denying dangerman Paul McCallum from close range.

But, as the pressure from the visitors grew, Daryl McMahon’s side did get their equaliser just before the break.

After a contentious free-kick awarded against Liam Hogan for apparent handball on the edge of the area, centre-back Wright stepped up to curl past a helpless Hinchliffe.

Although The Hatters were left seething by the nature of the equaliser, the goal itself had been coming with the visitors on top for the latter portion of the first half.

Into the second half, The Daggers continued to look lively and soon had a match-winning lead with a double blow in the space of three minutes.

Sub Josh Walker slotted home before Matt Robinson headed in from a corner to ensure a nightmare opening day for Simon Rusk’s side.