A middle order stand from Chris Read and Graeme Swann was the highlight of another turbulent innings as Notts fell 76 runs short at Trent Bridge.

Dropped catches and early wickets in the top order proved costly but Notts captain Chris Read is confident that improvements will be made in back to back Friends Provident trophy games against Northants on Sunday and Ireland on Monday.

“The dropped catches cost us around 80 runs which proved to be the margin of victory but we have caught well until this game so there’ll be no panic,” said Read.

“We have played some good cricket and I can’t heap enough praise on the bowlers but we haven’t hit our strap and there’s more to come from within the side.

“Graeme Swann did well and Paul Franks made a good contribution towards the end but it’s a job for the top order to set things up for us and we have struggled to find a platform.

“It’s never easy at the top of the order and it is important that the openers are mentally tough but their ability is beyond question and it is only a matter of time before they start firing.

“We’ll stay positive and do the business in the next game.”

Sussex bowlers Mushtaq Ahmed and Corey Collymore needed just 90 minutes of the morning session to secure victory at Trent Bridge.

Collymore was a constant threat and recorded match figures of 8-107 but Matt Prior’s innings of 131 and 64 were equally important for the reigning champions.

Paul Franks hit 30 not out but victory was as good as assured when Mark Ealham was caught by Luke Wright off Collymore who also had Shreck caught at slip to end the challenge.