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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Notts County player ratings vs Maidstone: Rodrigues the standout as Magpies go four points clear

Notts County moved four points clear at the top of the National League following a comfortable 3-0 win against Maidstone at Meadow Lane.

Goals from Macaulay Langstaff, Ruben Rodrigues and Cedwyn Scott have put the pressure on the sides below them, with Wrexham, Boreham Wood and Chesterfield all in action tomorrow afternoon.

Luke Williams started by making eight changes to the side that lost to Coalville Town on Saturday afternoon, reinstating the same side that beat Woking in their last National League encounter.

READ MORE: Notts County team news as Luke Williams rings changes against Maidstone

The Magpies dominated the opening exchanges and thought they had taken the lead just before the 20-minute mark. Langstaff reacted brilliantly to a whipped delivery to fire beyond Yusuf Mersin, only to be ruled out by the offside flag.

However, the trend of the game continued with Notts controlling possession and looking to create an opener which they eventually found just before the half-time whistle.

The National League's top scorer wasn't going to be denied a second time, reacting first to his initial effort that hit the cross bar, smashing the ball home for his 16th goal of the season already.

With Notts having to wait 44 minutes for their breakthrough, it took Rodrigues just seven second half minutes to curl an absolute peach into the top corner for his third goal of the season.

And the Portuguese midfielder could have equalled his tally for the season when Scott was fouled inside the area, however Rodrigues' effort was well read by the Maidstone 'keeper to keep the advantage to just two goals.

But the Notts number 19 wanted to get in on the action along with his former Gateshead strike partner, and he produced a trademark finish to put the game beyond the visitors - firing towards the near post for his seventh goal of the season.

The result sees the Magpies maintain their unbeaten record at Meadow Lane this season, whilst opening up a four-point gap at the summit of the National League ahead of a big weekend of fixtures.

Following the game, here is how we rated the Magpies players this evening.

Sam Slocombe - 7

Had only one save to make all evening, producing a strong hand to deny Reegan Booty in the first half. A sixth clean sheet of the season too.

Kyle Cameron - 8

Picked up some fantastic forward positions when breaking out from defence, adding that extra element in attack and producing a number of positive actions.

Connell Rawlinson - 7

Was calm and composed at the back, keeping the ball moving and being the first to react to any loose balls from the Maidstone goal kicks.

Richard Brindley - 7

Was often targeted with the long balls by Maidstone, but dealt with it brilliantly. Was keen to drive up the pitch and help Nemane to create attacking openings.

Adam Chicksen - 7

Was left frustrated in the first half, making a number of brilliant runs in behind only to be ignored by his team-mates. Almost added to his goal tally early in the first half, finding the side netting from close range.

Aaron Nemane - 7

His pace terrifies defenders, and the Maidstone back five will be having nightmares about him. Produced a number of good passages of play with Rodrigues and should have had an assist to his name.

Matty Palmer - 7

Kept the ball ticking nicely in midfield and was on hand to mop up any Maidstone breakaways, in which there was very few. Did the simple stuff effectively.

Geraldo Bajrami - 8

Another battling midfield performance from the Albanian, producing a number of interceptions whilst often providing that intricate pass into forward areas.

Ruben Rodrigues - 9

Was the one looking to make things happen, dropping deep and taking the Maidstone players out the game. Produced an absolute beauty of a strike to make it 2-0, so think we will forget his penalty miss. Brilliant performance.

Cedwyn Scott - 8

Often found playing with his back facing the goal rather than towards it in the first half but was given time and space to play forward in the second. Did excellent to win the penalty, and produced a trademark finish to put the game beyond Maidstone.

Macaulay Langstaff - 8

Scored a brilliant goal only to be denied by the offside flag but remained focused and reacted quickest to the rebound to notch his 16th goal of the season. Ran the channels extremely well and was a continuous threat throughout.

SUBS:

Toby Adebayo-Rowling - 7

Continually looked to drive at his immediate opponent when coming on. Produced a number of good crosses into decent areas.

Sam Austin - 6

Involved a lot when coming on, but more in keeping possession rather than attacking the Maidstone goal.

Kairo Mitchell - 6

Almost scored with his first touch after great work from Palmer on the by-line. Worked hard up front during his 15-minute cameo.

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