The manager of the month curse proved to be a Dagger through the heart for Shakers boss Alan Knill as his side squandered a two-goal lead.

Defender Efe Sodje, making his first start since December in place of hamstring victim Ben Futcher, scored twice to put Bury in charge at the break.

On-loan keeper Mark Tyler denied Dagenham three times before Sodje fired in a low, hard drive to give Bury a 26th-minute lead.

Seven minutes later the big Nigerian struck again, sneaking in at the far post to head home Brian Barry-Murphy's free kick.

But after the excellent Andy Morrell had hit the post with the goal at his mercy in the second half, the Essex boys hit back.

David Buchanan was the villain, making a hash of a cross which he headed straight to John Nurse.

The midfielder had time to pick his spot and make it 2-1 on the hour mark.

Four minutes later, Dagenham earned a share of the points when a well-worked move down their left was finished by Ben Strevens.