Brentford goal ace eyes big double act

By James Cunliffe, james.cunliffe@archant.co.uk
Monday, August 27, 2012
7:43 AM

Clayton Donaldson is hoping to form a formidable understanding with Farid El Alagui

Clayton Donaldson is hoping that a brace apiece for him and Farid El Alagui can be the catalyst to a promising strike partnership.

Brentford ended their winless start to the new season with a thumping 5-1 league victory over Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.

Harlee Dean scored the other goal as the Bees, who had only netted once in three previous outings, finally got their campaign off and running.

Donaldson netted against his former club early on to signal a dominant first half in which he and former Falkirk forward El Alagui gave the Railwaymen the run-around.

“In pre-season, we linked up well, were scoring goals and our partnership was getting on well,” said the 28-year-old, whose three strikes this term puts him top of the Bees’ goalscoring charts this term.

“He [El Alagui] got a little injury so that got disrupted at the start of the season but as you can see there’s an understanding between both of us and to get on the scoresheet is brilliant for the strikers.

“He’s good in the air, very strong, likes the ball to feet and he’s a handful for defenders.

“He’s got lots of attributes which are good for the team and we’ve needed that.

“We lost that last year with [Gary] Alexander going because he was that kind of player with his back to goal. Farid has got that but a little bit more, so I think it is good for the team.”

Asked if the result will kick-start Brentford’s season, Donaldson said: “Definitely,” adding: “We had a good pre-season but our start to the season hasn’t been the best.

“I think we are getting a little luck now and that game will give us a lot of confidence.

“Last week in training everyone was down so this week in training everyone will be confident again, more lively and buzzing so the morale will be boosted.

“We just look forward to the next game now.”