Ruben Rodrigues was at his brilliant best at Meadow Lane on Friday evening, putting on a dazzling performance in the Nottingham rain as Notts County ran away 3-0 winners against Maidstone.
The Portuguese midfielder was on target for Magpies with his first goal from open play this season, curling a brilliant effort into the top corner to put Luke Williams' side into a two-goal lead.
And the 26-year-old had the chance to equal his tally for the season when Cedwyn Scott was fouled inside the area, however his spot-kick was well read by Stones 'keeper Yusuf Mesrin to keep the advantage to just two.
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But Scott took matters into his own hands just after the hour-mark, cutting in from the left-hand side before firing a trademark strike into the near post to send Notts four points clear ahead of the rest of the National League fixtures on Saturday.
Speaking after the game, Rodrigues explained he was buzzing about scoring his first open play goal of the season and revealed it was a relief to get that goal out of 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 prior to his stunner at Meadow Lane came from the penalty spot against Boreham Wood and Woking, with many expecting the net to bulge when he placed the ball down from 12 yards.
However, his effort was well read by the Maidstone 'keeper as Rodrigues looked to place the ball down the centre of the goal.
Speaking on his miss, the midfielder said: "I like to stop, and normally the goalkeeper makes a little movement and this time he stood tall.
"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."
With no Saturday football for the Magpies this weekend, boss Williams explained that he would not be giving his players the weekend off ahead of their National League trip to Wealdstone on Tuesday night.
And Rodrigues revealed his plans for his extended break, explaining he is confident of doing well on FIFA 23's weekend league as he aims for the top rewards from the competition.
"It is not an easy place to go, but I am playing weekend league at the moment, and I have been doing really well, so I have to stay entertained.
"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."
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