Goals form Craig Mackail Smith, Paul Benson and a late penalty from Dave Rainford took Dagenham to within 2 points of Oxford Utd at the top of the Nationwide Conference
Dagenham, just five points off the pace were looking to continue their good league form. While fourth in the Conference Burton were looking to get back to winnings ways after their defeat at home to local rivals Tamworth in the FA Cup last weekend.
The home side could have taken the lead in the 14th minute when a Sam Saunders cross was totally missed by Craig Mackail-Smith at the near post.
Burton went straight up the pitch and after some nice approach play by Lee Fowler, he then released Daryl Clare whose sharp turn and shot was just wide of the far post.
On 25 minutes Sam Griffiths tried his luck from 35 yards out and his crisp drive nearly caught out Kevin Poole in the Burton goal. But the 43 year old stopper was just about equal to it.
The Burton frontline of David Brown and Clare was starting to make an impact on the Daggers defence and just on the half hour, a neat turn and shot from Brown was straight at Keeper Tony Roberts. His skill and shot deserved more reward.
Dagenham then took the lead when hitman Paul Benson ran from his own half to release his strike partner Mackail Smith, who beat the Burton offside trap and coolly finished past Poole for his 8th league goal of the season.
Benson could have easily extended Dagenham's lead when his turn and shot on the edge of the box was just wide of the post.
Clare was again causing concern for the home defence, he again went close just before half time.
The visitors started the second half brightly with again the Burton forwards causing problems. First Clare again went close. Then Andy Corbett found some space on the edge of the area but should have done better with his shot or a least found the unmarked Clare.
On 54 minutes Mackail Smith could have doubled his tally with a close range header after an excellent near post cross from Saunders on the right.
Brown nearly got his side back into the game when he got on to the end of a Fowler near post cross, but his quick turn and shot was straight at Roberts.
The pace and movement of Mackail Smith and Benson was starting to take its toll on the Burton defence and with the right pass could have been breached at any given time. While the lively Brown was surprisingly taken off after 78 minutes by Nigel Clough.
The points were then made safe by Dagenham when Danny Foster's in swinging cross with met with the slightest touch by Paul Benson and gave Poole no chance to claim his 13th league goal of the season.
The home side were awarded a penalty in stoppage time when Gary Rowett brought down Mackail Smith in the box. Poole easily saved Glen Southam's penalty.
Dagenham were awarded another penalty within 30 seconds after Darren Tinson was adjudged to have brought down Shane Blackett and Dave Rainford this time made no mistake.
With Oxford Utd losing at Gravesend the gap at the top is now just 2 points.