Dearden: They'll Come Good

Notts have scored just three goals in the eight games they have played this season, including the cup.

Only one of those came from a striker, Paul Heffernan's last minute equaliser at Barnsley.

Dearden's first choose pairing of Mark Stallard and Clive Platt have both failed to find the net this season.

But Dearden believes that if the team continues to create as many chances as they did in Saturday's game at Chesterfield then it won't be long before they start to score.

"It is going to be a bit frustrating for the strikers, not getting goals," Dearden told the Nottingham Evening Post. "They are going to be desperate to get off the mark.

"Mark Stallard scored a lot last season and he just needs one to get him going.

"Once he does that, I wouldn't bet against him getting a few in quick succession.

"It often works like that."

Dearden also said he was impressed with Saturday's performance and said that should be the benchmark for future performances.

"Prior to Saturday, we hadn't created that many chances," he said.

"But if we continue to carve out the number of opportunities we did at Chesterfield, I am sure we won't have a problem.

"I thought we could have won by three or four goals, if we had taken our chances.

"If we can keep getting balls into the box from wide positions, if we can keep giving good service in the right places, it is down to people to start putting them away."

Dearden also believes that Notts should approach free scoring Rushden with some confidence.

"Rushden are a good side. Brian has brought them up from non-league and obviously got them promoted again last season," he said.

"They have a great set-up at the club and in Onandi Lowe and Rodney Jack they have a couple of strikers that can cause problems.

"But what I would say is that they can't cause us any problems if we are playing in their half.

"I think that is how you should always look at things.

"We are on a bit of a run now and we want to keep it going.

"If we can perform with the same confidence as we did at the weekend, there is no reason why we can't extend it."

As far as selection goes, Notts have slight doubts over Simon Baldry and Steve Jenkins (What a surprise) after they both picked up slight knocks in Saturday's game.

"Neither of them trained yesterday," said Dearden. "But I would be extremely hopeful that both of them will be available for the squad tonight."

Another game on the bench Nick...

If they both are fit Notts are expected to name an unchanged line-up, meaning Nicky Fenton will have to again settle for a place on the bench.

"It is just one of those things I am afraid," said Dearden.

"I thought Danny did superbly again on Saturday. He made one exceptional tackle that probably saved us a goal.

"And you would struggle to leave Tony Barras out as well, the way he has been playing.

"It is hard on Nicky, but he was out with an injury and the lads who came in did a very good job.

"In such circumstances you have to say that they earn their place in the side.

"Everyone else has to wait for their chance."