Ruben Rodrigues scored a superb hat-trick for Notts County as they continued their promotion charge with a 3-0 win at Southend United.
The Portuguese forward scored the opener when he met Harry Arter's free-kick on the volley to beat Steve Arnold. Vitezslav Jaros made an excellent save at the start of the second half to deny Shaun Hobson, before Rodrigues grabbed his second.
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Kyle Wootton was the architect as he teed up the forward who swept in from 12 yards in what was a terrific finish. Moments later, Jaros came to Notts' rescue when he thwarted Sam Dalby from the penalty spot after Callum Powell had been felled by Alex Lacey.
But Rodrigues snuffed out Southend's hopes of a comeback when after seeing a shot blocked, he lifted the rebound into the top corner.
The result meant Notts stretched their unbeaten run to four games in the National League where they remain sixth in the table. Here Leigh Curtis analyses all the big talking points of the weekend.
A controlled and ruthless performance
Notts have for large parts of the season won so many plaudits for their swagger courtesy of some quite brilliant performances, particularly at Meadow Lane.
But in recent weeks we have seen a different side to them in that there is a great deal of substance to go with their style.
Ian Burchnall had admitted in the build-up to this game that Notts had been inconsistent on their travels compared to their record at home where they've only lost twice in the league this season.
But in recent weeks they have ground out a win at Dagenham and here against Southend they were controlled but ruthless when the chances came their way.
It was not one of Notts' best performances of the season in terms of their swashbuckling style but still came away with a 3-0 win. The inclusion of Harry Arter in midfield has made a big difference, while the return of Alex Lacey, Dion Kelly-Evans and Connell Rawlinson has also been key.
They may not be as flashy to the eye compared to other members of the squad, but their commitment, knowledge and attitude have been a big factor in achieving two impressive away results in what were tough games.
There seems to be a good blend of individual flair matched with doggedness which is what they need at such a crucial stage of the season. Long may it continue.
Hot Rod
Ruben Rodrigues' positional switch enforced by Notts' head coach Burchnall around this time last year has proven to be nothing short of a masterstroke.
The floating role in between midfield and attack is one he clearly relishes having been given a licence to thrill wherever he feels he can hurt the opposition.
Sometimes he will float to the left, the right or push himself up alongside Kyle Wootton making it incredibly difficult for defenders to track his movement.
There are lots of things to admire about the Portuguese forward but what has been most impressive is the in-game intelligence that separates him from most players in the league.
His hat-trick here was a masterclass in awareness, movement and execution in a performance that, individually, was his best of the season.
He is now on 15 goals for the campaign, the same as Kyle Wootton, and like his team-mate, will no doubt attract serious transfer interest this summer.
Rotherham have watched him, so too have Lincoln City. There will be others who will no doubt be aware of quality. He's got good feet, he's strong in the air, he's a devastating finisher and he's bagged numerous assists this season.
Rodrigues has everything you want in a modern-day attacker. But you just wonder how long it will be before an offer from a Football League club comes Notts' way.
The pitfalls of social media
Burchnall offered an emphatic denial when asked whether there had been a fallout with Callum Roberts after the winger was left out of the squad at the weekend. The former Newcastle player has not played since a 3-0 defeat to Stockport last month after which he became ill.
He has still not featured in any of the matchday squads and the only game he has played was a 90-minute runout with England C last week. All week there have been rumours on social media regarding the situation, which Burchnall was quick to clarify post-match.
He said Roberts only returned from international duty on Friday in what was his first session of the week at Meadow Lane. With the team playing well, backed up by this 3-0 win over Southend, he said he did not want to risk an injury for the sake of it, especially as Roberts had only just overcome illness.
However, late on Saturday night, ex-Notts player Regan Booty tweeted #freeCalRoberts which, predictably, provoked a strong response from Magpies fans.
The problem with social media is that it's hard to tell what is a joke and what isn't. All it succeeded in doing was anger the supporters which won't have done Roberts any favours. Booty soon deleted it. Moral of the story? Think first, Tweet later.
Third is still achievable
While the title appears to be heading to Stockport County, the race to finish second and third in the league is still incredibly tight. Notts are just four points behind Wrexham in third and five behind Halifax in second although both clubs do have games in hand.
Notts do not have another game against a play-off rival for the remainder of the campaign unlike the rest of the top seven who still have to face each other.
That means points are going to be dropped somewhere along the line which would give Notts a chance to capitalise. The bonus of finishing second or third means you only play one game in the play-offs which would also be at home.
Given how good Notts have been at Meadow Lane this season could be massive in their quest to return to the Football League. With a favourable run-in against teams in the bottom half of the table, Notts certainly have the quality to push their rivals all the way. They've got themselves into a fantastic position, they just have to make sure they make the most of it.
