Rodrigues joy as goal opens door for Magpies win
RUBEN Rodrigues said the Notts County away support was “amazing” as the Magpies began their National League campaign with a 5-0 away win against Barnet.
Rodrigues opened the scoring and finished with a brace. He was joined on the scoresheet by Callum Roberts, Kyle Wootton and Jim O’brien.
Rodrigues was pleased with his team’s performance and ‘couldn’t have asked for much more.’
He said: “In the first half it was a bit difficult, we had a lot of chances but they wouldn’t go in.
“In the second half, it was the second chance I had and I was happy to head it in.”
Despite their best efforts during the first half, Barnet largely nullified the Magpies’ attacks,
Rodrigues added: “I think the goal made the difference. If we had a goal in the first half it would be the same as the second half but since it didn’t come in the first half, we were trying to stay positive and trying to keep passing it from the back to forward and not losing our heads, so I think we did that very well.
“As soon as the goal came, you saw everybody was lively, the fans cheering us on, so I think that made the difference.”
The encounter was watched by more away fans, who made the 230mile round trip, than home supporters.
Rodrigues continued: “It was amazing, I just wish my family was here to be supporting as well because it’s nice to have the fans in.”
The Portuguese forward was even welcomed by a Portugal flag being waved.
“I’ve seen it. It’s nice that it happens, it’s beautiful,” he added, wishing his parents could have been present.
“They live in the Netherlands, I have some family coming in October to watch Woking.
“My brother, my younger brother and three of my best friends are coming so that will be an amazing experience for them as well but my parents aren’t yet. But, hopefully, very soon.”
Notts’ third goal came from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, after defender Josh Doherty brought Callum Roberts down and was shown a straight red card.
This was moments after the Portuguese, who was the penalty taker last season, was substituted off.
“Happy for Callum of course,” said Rodrigues. “I shared a room with him last night in the hotel and he kept saying you really think you’re going to be taking a penalty, because I was taking them last season.
“It was already spoken I would be playing 60 minutes because I felt something on my hamstring this week.”
The fashion in which Roberts converted the penalty, down the middle, may have been seen as a bit “boring” by Rodrigues.
“Happy for him but to be honest, putting it in the middle, it’s a bit boring so we’ve got to put a bit more pressure on him, so I’ll talk to him about it,” he said.
Despite coming off in the 65th minute due to a hamstring issue, the 25-year-old revealed he was feeling ‘better every day.
He added: “Marco the physio is looking after it so I’m happy.”