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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Ruben Rodrigues highlights the importance of Notts County team-mates following Eastleigh penalty miss

When Ruben Rodrigues placed the ball down on the spot in the 70th minute, the weight of Notts County's promotion hopes fell on to the shoulders of the 26-year-old.

Having already equalised for the Magpies with a quite exquisite finish redolent of the Fandango from his homeland as he danced into the area before sliding the ball beyond Joe McDonnell - many predicted the net to bulge with his impeccable record from the spot this season.

But when his stuttering run-up was unable to fool the Spitfires number one, his header from the rebound was somehow repelled to keep the scores level, with many thinking it was going to be another one of those nights.

READ MORE: Luke Williams pinpoints 'concerning' factor present in Eastleigh win

While many players would continue to replay that scenario in their head, Rodrigues knew the task at hand and grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck, taking just six minutes to rectify his mistake by poking the ball into the back of the net following Sam Austin's deflected effort - producing a man of the match display and further highlighting the player mentality that has been instilled by Luke Williams since his arrival at Meadow Lane.

Speaking after the game, the midfielder revealed it was one of his best performances for the club since signing back in 2020 - while also highlighting the importance of his team mates after seeing his spot-kick saved that inspired him to put things right on his terms.

"I think it is definitely up there, it was very enjoyable for me to play and I don't know why they kept giving me space even though in the first half I did pretty well - the gaffer complimented me at half-time in the changing room that gave me a bit more confidence going into the second half.

"I kept doing my thing and being patient, and when the first goal came my confidence was high - but then of course there was the penalty.

"The penalty happens but everyone came to me and they were so positive and gave me so much positive feedback and told me to keep going and then of course I score the second one and I am just really happy for the team.

"They are really important because you talk to yourself during the game and think you let your team down.

"But everyone calms you down and you know you have not let your team down and they are right behind you so it's a really good thing for me.

"I am that kind of player and person that when you do something wrong you have to prove yourself and prove others that you can do right.

"And I think that kind of mentality comes with me and helps me through it."

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