PAOLO Di Canio has backed his players to prove that Saturday’s defeat to Oxford was nothing more than a blip by beating Dagenham & Redbridge tomorrow night.

Town will have to wait another season to be able to claim the derby bagging rights after two goals in as many first-half minutes from Asa Hall and Oli Johnson gave the U’s a 2-0 victory at the Kassam Stadium.

Fortunately, the Robins have little time to reflect on the defeat with struggling Dagenham & Redbridge the visitors at the County Ground tomorrow.

The Daggers’ form has picked up recently, with successive wins over Morecambe and Bradford, but Di Canio expects his players to provide a positive response to Saturday’s defeat with a victory that will strengthen their promotion charge.

“The players have proved before that they are strong and I am sure that they will give me a good reaction,” said the Town boss.

“We will see if we really deserve to stay at the top because we will play a side who will come to take a point and will look to take advantage of set pieces."

Di Canio added: “Saturday’s kind of game can happen in a season. Where you are on top but then suddenly have a few crazy moments and suddenly you are 2-0 down and the energy is gone.

“Tomorrow they have to prove that they deserve to stay at the top. You can draw, you can lose and you can win but the performance is always crucial.”

Meanwhile, Di Canio will be hoping for some positive news on the transfer front this week.

The 43-year-old had hinted that he was close to bringing in a striker on Friday, but was keen to keep his focus on Saturday’s game.