LEE CLARK hailed the character and commitment which brought Town a point at promotion rivals Bournemouth – then warned his players they will need exactly the same qualities tonight.

Out-of-action Dagenham and Redbridge were dumped at the bottom of League I as Bristol Rovers beat Oldham while Town were drawing 1-1 on Saturday, but have since been replaced by Plymouth after the Football League confirmed the South Coast club have been deducted 10 points with immediate effect.

But manager Clark knows that will make the East London side dangerous opponents as third-placed Town make a first visit to Victoria Road.

Clark, whose side defeated the Daggers 6-1 in last season’s FA Cup first-round tie at the Galpharm, has never visited the venue either.

But has made in-depth studies of John Still’s side, who should have hosted Town in December, only for the game to be frozen off.

“They’ve done brilliantly in the last few years,” said Clark of the club who entered the Football League in 2007 and won promotion from League II through last season’s play-offs.

“Quite a few of their games have been postponed this season, which has probably contributed to where they are in the table.

“They are a very strong team physically, they have a magnificent work ethic and they make life very difficult for opponents.

“They are good on set plays, and because their pitch is narrow, they try to make play tight and put the pressure on.

“They’re a bit like the old Wimbledon, and I know from experience that if you aren’t up for it and ready to match them, you’ll be steamrollered.

“What I’ve stressed to the players is that we face a proper battle and we have to deal with what they’ll do, then play our own game.”

Clark – without versatile Antony Kay, who starts a two-match ban after a 10th booking of the season at Bournemouth – believes his players can do just that.