YORK City striker Clayton Donaldson has been set the challenge of overhauling Dagenham hit-man Paul Benson at the top of the Conference scoring charts.

Donaldson took his tally to 25 with a brace in last night's 3-1 home victory over Rushden and Diamonds.

The goals ended a five-match drought for Donaldson but he now has 28-goal Benson in his sights again and manager Billy McEwan said: "I'm pleased for Clayton getting back on the scoresheet. Now, he's got to try to catch Benson and become the top scorer in the Conference. That was his target at the start of the season and that's his goal still."

While Dagenham might have been crowned champions, McEwan is also hoping that his team can better the Essex side in another department.

The two clubs have both won 12 away games this season although City have two more games on their travels - at Stafford and Southport on the next two Saturdays - while Dagenham only have one to go.

McEwan added: "We've equalled the number of goals we scored last season and now we are looking to finish with the best away record in the division."

The City boss praised his side for fighting back from a second-minute Simeon Jackson goal with Donaldson netting five minutes either side of half-time and Steve Bowey adding a third shortly afterwards to increase the gap on sixth-placed Gravesend to five points.

He also emphasised the part a 2,955 crowd played in the win, saying: "We conceded a silly goal when we were caught sleeping but then bounced back.

"The character and commitment was superb and we played some super football in the second half. We created lots of chances and scored three excellent goals with very good execution and build-up.

"We got goals at good times and they gave us the energy and enthusiasm to drive on. It was all thanks to the supporters, as well, who were fantastic.

"They drove us on when we needed them and we could have scored seven or eight."

But tough taskmaster McEwan still vented his fury at the final whistle, explaining that he thought City could have needlessly conceded a second-half goal when keeper Tom Evans dropped a routine cross and should also have made their dominance count more in front of goal.

He said: "I was angry with them after the game because of certain situations where we took our foot off the pedal. You can't do that.

"There's no room for complacency, sloppiness or casual play. Things have been said in the dressing room and players have reacted but that's too bad.

"I'm the guy in charge and it's my neck on the line. We nearly gave them another goal and we should have buried them at the other end."