Kilbane spot on to deny Daggers
Coventry boss Andy Thorn was able to breath a sigh of relief as his League One side scraped through into the second round of the Capital One Cup by the skin of their teeth after a 1-0 win at Dagenham.
League Two Dagenham looked to have to forced extra-time but they were stunned by a 90th-minute penalty strike from Kevin Kilbane as their cup hopes were ended at the first hurdle for a fifth successive season.
Coventry centre-back Richard Wood was sent tumbling in the box after a strong challenge from Dagenham defender Michael Spillane.
The hosts were annoyed with the decision but former Everton and Sunderland midfielder Kilbane stepped up and coolly fired into the middle of the net to beat keeper Chris Lewington.
Earlier striker Cody McDonald had forced a smart save out of Lewington while at the other end Josh Scott fired over with a fierce left-foot shot on the turn.
Callum Ball had two shots charged down for the visitors but the hosts' luck was out as Kilbane smashed in the winner.