In-form Yemi Odubade looks to have won the race to finish as United's leading scorer this season.

His superb winning goal against Rushden took his tally to 11, which is three clear of Matt Green and Phil Trainer, who are in joint second place with eight goals.

The former Eastbourne Borough player went through a dip in form and confidence earlier in the season and questions were asked, by just about everybody, on whether he could play up front because his ratio of taking chances wasn't good.

But, judging by his last three or four appearances, his finishing has greatly improved.

And, of course, when he plays, his pace causes opposing defences such problems that more chances are created anyway.

Can finishing be taught, or are you born with it?

That's a question I put to manager Darren Patterson.

"You can improve it, whether you can teach someone to clinically finish better, I'm not so sure," he said. "We'll never stop trying.

"He can play wide, he can play up top. If he plays with that energy, and that enthusiasm, and that desire he did on Tuesday night . . . I remember games when he was getting ironically cheered when he made a tackle or made a run back.

"You look at the difference now - in his energy and his workrate - he's a nightmare for centre halves. We want that in every game."

Odubade has always had a reasonable good skill level - his long-range left-footed volley on the turn from 45 yards against Dagenham last season was a sensational piece of technique - but this too seems to be getting better and better.

Twice against Rushden Yemi brought difficult dropping balls under instant control.

Patterson said: "Mickey Lewis has worked his socks off with the boy. It's constant repetition, he keeps doing it and we'll continue doing it.

"It's a side of his game he needs to work on "He enjoys playing here and it shows. We've asked him to enjoy himself, and he is.

"He's really sat down and listened, and he's really focused, not just on the pitch but off the pitch, and you're seeing the results now."