Maidstone still can’t shake off the threat of relegation after a third straight defeat.

They remain five points clear of the National League drop zone but Solihull now have a game in hand after their match at Tranmere was postponed.

Goals from Fejiri Okenabirhie and Craig Robson put Dagenham in charge at Victoria Road.

Alex Wynter replied with eight minutes left but the Stones couldn’t level.

Maidstone reverted to 4-3-3 after their flirtation with 3-5-2 over the past few weeks.

They made three changes to the side beaten by Hartlepool on Good Friday with Seth Nana Twumasi, Michael Phillips and Delano Sam-Yorke in for Josh Hare, the injured Will De Havilland and Greg Luer.

The switch suited Blair Turgott, who looked more effective out wide, but it was Dagenham who made most of the running without testing Lee Worgan.

That said, United carved out the best early chance when Joe Anderson’s deep cross was headed inches wide by Phillips and the visitors were probably enjoying their best spell of the game shortly before going behind.

The goal came in the 26th minute following a move down the right with Andre Boucard feeding full-back Ben Nunn whose cross saw Okenabirhie take a touch and finish in the bottom corner.

Maidstone struggled after the goal with Dagenham in control and threatening to add to their lead.

They went close late in the half when a partially cleared corner dropped to Charlee Adams whose thumping volley went narrowly wide.

Dagenham got in good positions several times in the half, Alex Finney in the right place to cut out a couple of dangerous crosses.

Maidstone were much-improved at the start of the second half, enjoying more possession and showing far more purpose in their play.

They had Dagenham penned back but the pressure came to nothing and the hosts doubled their lead in the 64th minute when Dan Sparkes’ corner wasn’t dealt with and Robson thumped home from eight yards.

Maidstone turned to Jamar Loza and he showed some promise down the left but the early second-half momentum had been lost.

Wynter hooked over and Turgott had a shot blocked from Greg Luer as Maidstone got themselves together for another push.

And they were back in the game in the 82nd minute when a goalmouth scramble from a corner was finished by Wynter.

Maidstone went for it in the closing stages but Dagenham held on.

Maidstone: Worgan, Twumasi, Wynter, Finney, Anderson, Lewis, Phillips, Reason (Loza 65mins), Sam-Yorke (Luer 74mins), Lafayette, Turgott (Osei 86mins). Subs not used: Hare, Prestedge.

Attendance: 1,633 (433 away).