JAMES Constable and Tom Craddock are loving their lethal partnership up front as they attempt to fire Oxford United into the FA Cup second round this weekend.

The strike duo have started together for the last five games, scoring eight goals between them.

They have contributed to each other’s success, with Constable claiming three assists and Craddock laying on his partner’s goal against Wycombe Wanderers last weekend.

Constable is delighted with the outcome, which he believes comes from hard work on the training ground.

He said: “I think we work on it a lot through the week and we seem to be getting a good understanding.

“I know where Tommy is going to be and he did brilliantly for me with the goal (at Wycombe) and at other times he keeps me in the right positions.”

Craddock, United’s top scorer this season, will be looking to add to his eight goals when they visit Barnet in the FA Cup first round tomorrow.

The ex-Middlesbrough trainee thinks he and Constable are bringing out the best in each other.

He said: “We both enjoy playing with a partner.

“Against Accrington I got a couple of assists from him and then I managed to set him up for his goal against Wycombe.

“Hopefully we can continue that. I think our closing down at the front sets the tone for the team and makes it easier for them if we’re on our game.”

The pairing has blossomed at the front of a 4-4-2 formation in the last month, which is a change from the 4-3-3 system often deployed in the past.

Constable thinks it suits the players in the squad, although the striker acknowledged the importance of tactical flexibility.

He said: “We need to be able to play in different formations, but at the minute we seem to be playing well as a 4-4-2.

“We’ve got the players to play in those positions.

“It helps when Tommy’s scoring goals and creating chances for everybody else.

“Riggy (Sean Rigg) and Alfie (Potter) are a nightmare out wide for full backs and by putting balls in the box, it makes it easy for us.”