Butcher's purple patch continues

Last updated : 05 September 2008 By Dane Vincent

This week's ones to watch are two players that have the qualities to win the game for their team…

Hot-shot: Butcher, left, has three goals already this season...
Richard Butcher has continued his terrific goal-scoring form into the new season, finding the back of the net on three occasions already.

His most recent came on Tuesday, where he smashed in a left-foot volley from just inside the Scunthorpe penalty area.

It appeared to be his goals alone keeping him in the side last year, but so far this season he has demonstrated that he has more to offer, with improvements to his all-round game.

Last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Shrewsbury was a prime example, where he deservedly picked up the man of the match accolade, putting himself about both offensively and defensively.

He is quickly becoming one of the first names on the team-sheet, as well as silencing those who doubted his contributions.

Alongside Myles Weston, Butcher will be central to Notts pushing forward with his direct mentality.

He will be no doubt be encouraged to make his infamous late runs into the box to help Notts find that crucial first win- especially with the strikers struggling to find the target.

Darren Anderton is a winger with unquestionable ability, having earned 30

Better than Beckham: Anderton was selected ahead of Beckham for England for a short period...
caps for the England in his hey-day - scoring seven goals.

During his international career, he was at one stage preferred to David Beckham on the right-wing.

Coach at the time, Glen Hoddle, believed that he could not only pass better that the former Manchester United playmaker, but was superior defensively.

Although injuries have taken their toll since the peak of his career, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur man is an integral member of the visitors' squad, who is capable of unlocking defences instantly.

At 36-years-old, Anderton may not be as threatening as he once was, but Paul Mayo will have to ensure that he does not allow the Cherries' captain too much freedom on the right, because that is where he will thrive.

Potentially, he can still deliver precisely match-winning balls or even score them himself from both set-pieces and open play.