Brentford's new strikers Lee Thorpe and Alan Connell believe they can score the goals to take the club back to League One at the first attempt.

And they aim to show what a lethal combination they can be in the Bees' first pre-season friendly at Staines Town tonight (Thursday, 7.30pm).

They are confident they can deliver, having played together previously with success.

Connell, 24, Hereford United's leading marksman with 11 goals last season, said: "I played with Lee at Torquay two seasons ago.

"We only had a couple of games together but we clicked.

"If we could get 25 to 30 goals between us, that would put Brentford in the frame for promotion."

Thorpe has been brought in as a replacement for Lloyd Owusu, who has joined Yeovil.

At 31, he will Brentford's oldest player, and is prepared to put his body on the line to protect his younger team-mates.

"I will go in where it hurts and Alan can feed off me," he said.

"Like me, he knows where the goal is and we can form an effective partnership."

Thorpe, who has netted 88 goals in 324 league games, including eight for relegated Torquay last term, added: "My highest tally in a season was 17 for Lincoln, and I am hoping to get near that or better this season."

The frontman has been a lower-league journeyman, having played for Blackpool, Leyton Orient, Grimsby, Bristol Rovers, Peterborough, Swan-sea, Lincoln City and Bangor City, but knows what it takes to get out of League Two, after successful promotion campaigns with the Swans and the Imps.

Another recruit with title-winning credentials is utility player Craig Pead, who was released by Walsall after helping the Saddlers become League Two champions last season.

l Brentford are away to Harrow Borough on Saturday, and visit Hampton & Richmond on Tuesday (7.30pm).

l Staines Town are expected to include new signings Adrian Toppin, from Carshalton, Jamie McClurg - Bracknell's player of the season - and Leigh Mason, from Brackley.