Ruben Rodrigues performed at his absolute top Rodrigues was at his best at Meadow Lane on Friday evening performing a spectacular display in Nottingham downpour in the rain as Notts County ran away 3-0 winners over Maidstone.
The Portuguese midfielder scored in the match for Magpies by scoring his very first goal in open play this season. He curled brilliantly to the back of the net to send Luke Williams’ side into the lead by two goals.
The 26-year-old also had the chance of tying his season-high as Cedwyn Scott was recklessly fouled in the penalty area, but his penalty was read by Stones goalkeeper Yusuf Mesrin to keep the score to two.
However, Scott took the matter in his own hands after the hour mark and swung into the left-hand corner before firing a signature strike at the near post to take Notts 4 points clear of the remaining National League fixtures on Saturday.
In his post-game interview, Rodrigues explained he was excited about scoring his first open-play strike of the campaign. He said that it was an immense relief to finish the goal the way.
“I have been waiting a long time, it has been 13 games for me, and you could see by my reaction how happy I was,” said Rodrigues.
“It’s just a relief that the first goal from open play is out of the way and yeah, I am buzzing.”
His two goals before his stunning goal in the final minute at Meadow Lane came from the penalty spot, which he scored against Boreham Wood and Woking, and many expected the net to swell after he put the ball on the ground after 12 yards.
But his strike was well-read by the Maidstone goalie as Rodrigues attempted to put the ball in the middle to the target.
In response to his mistake the midfielder admitted: “I like to stop when I see a goalie, and usually the goalie moves a bit, but this time , he stood high.
“I had to think, and it was 50/50, and unfortunately he had the right 50 so it was unfortunate, but I was happy that Cedwyn was able to make it 3-0 which was a relief for me.”
Since there is no Saturday game with Magpies this weekend, Magpies the weekend ahead, the Magpies’ boss Williams said he would not give his players a weekend off prior to the National League trip to Wealdstone on Tuesday night.
And Rodrigues disclosed his plans for the extended break, stating that he is sure of winning FIFA 23’s Sunday league, as He aims to get the highest prizes from the competition.
“It isn’t an easy destination however I am in a on a weekend league and am doing extremely good, which means I am able to keep myself busy.
“I sit in a party with my brother, and we have a chat and that is what entertains me these days, mostly or maybe a little Netflix series.”
