DAGENHAM & Redbridge are the surprise package in the Nationwide Conference according to Hereford United's Paul Parry.

The Essex side have edged ahead along with leaders Boston United in the race for prized Third Division promotion place although Parry is convinced there is not a huge gap in quality between the Bulls and the top two.

Parry is backing the division's big spenders to just pip Garry Hill's side who play Ipswich in the third round of the FA Cup.

"Dagenham have emerged as the surprise package because Boston had a lot of money to spend and were expected to be up there," he said.

"I think it will be between those two and possibly Barnet but if I was a gambling man I would have to back Boston because they have the money."

The Bulls narrowly lost 1-0 to Boston after a late winner.

"We were unlucky against them and I think we deserved a point. I don't think there is a massive gulf between us although they have an advantage with a bigger squad," he said.

Parry is hoping they can improve their form in the second half of the season and put a run together to move up the table.

"The cup run was brilliant but things have started to pick up in the league now with the recent wins against Telford and Stalybridge," he said.

"It was a good win against Stalybridge and they didn't have many chances and I think we could have had a few more.

"We've been creating a lot of chances but not taking them as well as should have done but it is improving.

"We had a good start to the season with a couple of good wins but things have got off the boil a little bit and may be the cup run distracted us a bit.

"I'm surprised we've been down as far as we have but I think we'll be back in the top half by the end of the season."