GOALSCORING hero Clayton Donaldson has hailed the selfless work of his new striking partner Craig Farrell.

Ex-Hull City striker Donaldson netted his second goal of the season in Saturday's 1-0 victory at Gravesend and Northfleet thanks to an assist from Farrell.

Farrell, 23, is yet to get off the mark for his new club, having also been barren in pre-season, but Donaldson has been impressed with the former Exeter City forward's performances, especially as a lone striker at Gravesend when City's marksman hobbled off with a hip problem.

An impressed Donaldson (pictured), who is hoping his injury will clear up ahead of Friday night's home match with Burton Albion, said: "He was up there on his own but his workrate for the team was fantastic.

"He never stopped running and that's what we needed because we were always on the back foot in the second half.

"Like everybody, including the subs, he put 100 per cent effort in to win us the game."

Having enjoyed a 43-goal partnership with last season's now-departed top scorer Andy Bishop, Donaldson is also hopeful that his new alliance with Farrell can prove fruitful for the team, starting with Friday night's game at KitKat Crescent.

He said: "We played a little one-two for the goal and I think we can cause teams problems this season.

"I am sure there are a lot of defenders that won't want to play against us because we are getting better and better with each game and I'm really pleased with how we're looking as a partnership."

About the former Leeds United reserve striker's strengths, Donaldson added: "He's good in the air and works hard for the team which makes my game easier. His hold-up play is also very good so I can work off him."

Donaldson suffered his hip injury before scoring the only goal at Gravesend but the problem intensified and, despite receiving treatment at half-time from physio Jeff Miller, he limped off on 51 minutes.

He admitted that waiting to see if his side could protect their lead was almost as painful as his hip, saying: "As soon as I got the knock when their player kneed me in the side I knew I wouldn't finish the game because I've had them before. It eased off at half-time but, when I started running again, it seized up."

The 22-year-old striker was still waiting for his first goal in City colours at this stage last season and has set himself one target for 2006-07.

He said: "I finished with 18 overall last season so anything above that would be a bonus.

"That's what I'm looking to do and, if I succeed, then I would say that would be a good season."