A marvellous strike from John Johnson earned Northampton a 1-0 win at Dagenham and stretched the Cobblers' unbeaten run to 10 games.
Johnson cut inside to fire home from the edge of the penalty area after 71 minutes to decide a scrappy encounter at Victoria Road.
There was precious little goalmouth action in the first half although Northampton forward Adebayo Akinfenwa saw a header claimed by Tony Roberts.
The action improved after the break as Akinfenwa lobbed over the bar, while Cobblers goalkeeper Chris Dunn tipped Damien McCrory's cross-shot around the post.
Johnson then found the top corner of the net to put the visitors ahead, but Town were thankful to keeper Dunn for keeping them ahead as he made a stunning save from Peter Gain's volley.
Daggers kept pushing for an equaliser but leading scorer Paul Benson spurned two late headers.
Debutant McCrory almost grabbed a last-minute leveller, but his powerful effort was blocked, while Gain had the last chance but saw his left-footed drive deflected to safety.
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