Manager Darren Ferguson fielded a full strength side with the exception of unavailable centre-back Gaby Zakuani who was replaced by Charlie Lee.

But a headed goal midway through the second-half by Mark Nwokeji was enough to send the visitors through.

Posh started brightly, but faded quickly and by the end they looked a disjointed, poor outfit.

Craig Mackail-Smith missed a sitter 15 minutes from time after substitute Scott Rendell had played him through.

Craig Morgan also missed with a free header from a corner as Dagenham survived in some comfort.

George Boyd was as usual at the hub of most good Posh movements in the first-half as the home side dominated proceedings.

He drilled one half chance wide after a dribble which defeated three defenders and grazed the crossbar with a deft chip in the final minute of the half.

The visitors had almost snatched a shock lead in the second minute, but Paul Benson's lob missed the goal by inches.

Midfielder Paul Coutts was the surprise Posh selection after recovering quicker than expected from a foot injury.

Teams:
Posh: Joe Lewis, Russell Martin, Tommy Williams, Craig Morgan, Charlie Lee, Paul Coutts, Micah Hyde, Shaun Batt, Dominic Green, Craig Mackail-Smith, George Boyd.
Subs: Scott Rendell, James McKeown, Chris Whelpdale, Sam Gaughran, Danny Andrew.
Dagenham & Redbridge: Tony Roberts, Magnus Okuonghae, Glen Southam, Jon Nurse, Richard Graham, Mark Nwokeji, Scott Griffiths, Paul Benson, Anwar Uddin, Danny Foster, Peter Gain.
Subs: Shane Huke, Ben Strevens, Aaron Fray, Tommy Texan-Site, Ed Thompson.

Alan Swann reports from Peterborough United's Johnstone's Paint Trophy, Second round tie at home to Dagenham & Redbridge from 7pm.Team news and updates will appear here.

See Wednesday's Evening Telegraph for a full match report, comment and photos.

What do you think of the Posh performance? Add your comments below, email our sports team: alan.swann @peterboroughtoday.co.uk.