Former Gillingham striker Conor Wilkinson scored as Maidstone’s National League survival hopes suffered again.

The Stones played particularly well in the first half against Dagenham but still managed to lose 3-0.

Nathan Smith gave Peter Taylor’s side a half-time lead against the run of play and that was followed by a goal for Wilkinson, who returned to the Daggers on a permanent deal this week after a successful loan spell.

Substitute Lamar Reynolds slotted an injury-time third as Maidstone ended up well beaten.

Simon Walton made his first start since becoming caretaker manager as Maidstone flew out of the traps.

They dominated the early stages and remained the better side after conceding from Dagenham’s first attack, midway through the first half.

Walton’s inclusion looked a wise move, protecting the back three and pinging some nice passes about as Maidstone took the game to the Daggers.

They had three good chances in the opening 10 minutes but couldn’t make them count.

The first came from a low Jack Powell cross with Elliott Romain’s first-time strike pushed on to the bar and over by keeper Elliot Justham.

Shortly after, Michael Phillips’ cross was met by Josh Taylor at the near post but Justham saved his side again.

The third opening was perhaps the best of the lot as Ben Nunn’s stray backpass presented the ball to Jake Robinson.

He looked a good bet to score but former Ebbsfleet man Kenny Clark threw himself in the way and made the block.

Maidstone had a good penalty shout just before the 15-minute mark, Will De Havilland with an outstanding challenge on Liam Gordon before slinging over a cross to the back post.

Robinson’s header was cut out by the arm of Manny Onoriase but referee Sam Allison decided the Daggers defender had been pushed.

Dagenham hadn’t been in the game at all but took the lead in the 22nd minute.

It came after a corner with Angelo Balanta finding space in the box and crossing for Smith whose low header opened the scoring.

Maidstone reacted well and continued to get wing-backs Phillips and Dan Wishart high up the pitch.

The Stones had another good chance at the start of the second half when Romain raced through one-on-one from a ball over the top but, coming under pressure, he shot straight at Justham.

Wilkinson fired over for the Daggers just after, while Balanta’s weak effort was saved by Ross after Liam Gordon got in down the left, with Peter Taylor’s side more involved.

Maidstone turned to trialist Jamie Philpot with just over half an hour left, followed by Jack Paxman, and the hosts went for it.

But they were caught on the break as Dagenham made it 2-0 in the 73rd minute, Reynolds doing well down the left to feed Wilkinson, who continued his run and finished across Ethan Ross.

Reynolds raced through for the Daggers’ injury-time third after Maidstone lost possession.

Maidstone: Ross, De Havilland, Swaine, Edobor, Phillips (Paxman 69mins), Walton (Tajbakhsh 81mins), Taylor, Wishart, Powell, Robinson (Philpot 59mins), Romain. Subs not used: Richards, Wassmer. Attendance: 2,188 (227 away).