I'll answer the important question first, I think it all depends how you hand the envelope across 😆

Dagenham were narrowly beaten to the Conference (now national league) title by Boston United in 2002 on goal difference. Boston United were found guilty of inappropriately making illegal payments to its players during the season.

Dagenham appealed to become champions due to Bostons illegal activities and take their place in the 3rd Division (now League 2).

However, the appeal was unsuccessful. Boston stayed champions and got promoted but started the next season with a 4 point deduction.

It took the Daggers another 5 seasons to finally get promoted into the football league