Notts made 2 changes to Saturday's line-up, Paul Bolland and Danny Livesey replaced the injured pairing of Ian Richardson and Steve Jenkins respectively.
It was a baffling looking team for Notts, with Simon Baldry being moved to the left wing, despite two man of the match performances from the right side in the last two games, while Paul Bolland was named in the starting line-up despite Dearden stating earlier today that he wasn't fit to play.
Nicky Fenton was also named as captain for the first time, meaning Darren Caskey has fell further down the captaincy order, but Fenton deserved a go at it and may well be a future skipper, congratulations Nick.
The game started slowly, with neither side doing anything remotely impressive.
On the plus side, Notts' away fans were easily out singing their Wednesday counterparts.
The home crowd were getting impatient with their team, as they continually gave the ball away, and made their feelings known, to the delight of Notts.
Paul Bolland then went down injured after a late tackle from Owls' midfielder Paul McLaren, who was booked.
After treatment, Bolland was deemed ok to carry on.
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With 22 minutes on the clock, Graeme Lee played the ball across and Paul McLaren turned brilliantly and unleashed an unstoppable strike on the half volley from 22 yards out to give the home side the lead.
This changed the attitude of the home crowd, who now made plenty of noise and the Wednesday players, who looked revitalised.
Steven Mildenhall was then required to make a good stop at the feet of Wednesday striker Grant Holt.
It has to be said, Notts looked a beaten side with only 26 minutes on the clock.
Adam Proudlock was the next player to test Mildenhall, although he really should have done better when well placed after Kevin Nicholson kindly gave him the ball.
Notts then had a half chance to equalise, but Simon Baldry couldn't quite control Mark Stallard's flick on so the chance was lost.
As the half went on Clive Platt was being forced to defend more and more by Wednesday's attacking wing-back, Barry Murphy.
In fact, he appeared to end the half as an orthodox right back he ws doing that much defending.
Notts' problems lie in the fact that they couldn't keep possession, it was embarrassing the amount of times they lost the ball.
As the half came to a close Notts' fans were hoping that Dearden could come to his senses and move Baldry back to the right and put Platt back upfront.
HALF TIME: Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 NOTTS COUNTY
It appeared our prayers were answered, as Baldry lined up on the right and Platt started alongside Stallard.
On 48 minutes Notts finally hit their first shot on target, but while Paul Bolland struck his shot well enough, it was straight at 'keeper David Lucas.
This started a frantic 4 minutes period that eventually ended up with a goal.
First, Mildenhall made a great save from a fantastic long range effort by defender Lee.
Then Clive Platt was brought down right on the 18 yard line, to give Notts a free-kick.
The referee had to think long and hard about what to give but in the end he went for a free kick.
From the resulting set piece Ian Baraclough rose highest but unfortunately headed wide.
The miss proved costly as a minute later, Notts were two down.
Proudlock made good ground down the right side and delivered a good cross which the arriving McLaren steered in for his second of the game.
Notts' response was to change their formation to a 3-5-2 system, using Baldry and Nicholson as wing backs and a back 3 of Fenton, Barras and Livesey.
With just 10 minutes of the half gone, Dearden made Notts' first change, taking off Paul Bolland, who clearly wasn't 100% fit, for youngster Shane McFaul, who Dearden also claimed wasn't available for this game.
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However, Mark Stallard, so often Notts' hero, changed all that and put Notts back in the game.
A long Mildenhall clearence was flicked on by Clive Platt and Stallard looked up, saw Lucas off his line and lobbed him expertly.
It was a great finish by Stal, who has now scored in his last 5 games, what would we do without him?!
This, like Wednesday's first goal, was against the run of play and changed the crowds mood immensly.
With 20 minutes remaining, Notts came within inches of an equaliser.
Centre back Tony Barras hit a snapshot which grazed the top of the crossbar on it's way over, it really was a coat of paint between a goal and a miss.
Mildenhall then made a brilliant double save to keep The Magpies in the game.
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It was clear Wednesday were keen to finish the game off, but they couldn't quite find a way through.
Dearden then made his throw of the dice, bringing on an extra striker in Heffernan for Darren Caskey, while bringing on Paul Riley for Nicholson in a straight swap.
It was clear that the home crowd were getting anxious and they soon decided to get on the back of the referee, who by Notts standards, was ok.
With 5 minutes to play, Notts were throwing everything at Wednesday with little end result.
Barras then took his frustration out on substitute Owusu, picking up a booking for his late challenge.
When the fourth official reveled there would be a generous four minutes of added time to be played, Notts were thrown a lifeline.
But the closest they came in those four minutes was a penalty appeal, when Simon Baldry appeared to be pulled down in the box, but the referee didn't give Notts their third penalty in 3 matches.
FULL TIME: Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 NOTTS COUNTY
So another defeat for County, who really need to get some substantial points from the next 2 home games against Colchester & Bournemouth.
Another questionable selection annoyed me aswell.