Southend United 0-3 Notts County

Ruben Rodrigues hit his first Notts County hat-trick to take his season's goal tally to 17, of which 15 have come in the National League

Ruben Rodrigues hit a brilliant hat-trick as Notts County further cemented their position in the National League top seven with victory at Southend.

Ian Burchnall's men went ahead 19 minutes in, when Harry Arter's free-kick found Portuguese striker Rodrigues, whose shot from a tight angle went in via the underside of the bar.

County keeper Vitezslav Jaros had to be alert to tip a Shaun Hobson header over the bar after the restart, before Rodrigues whistled an effort across goal.

But Rodrigues was back on target a minute after the hour mark, converting after good work from Kyle Wootton in the box.

Southend had a chance to reply when Alex Lacey fouled Callum Powell in the penalty area, but Sam Dalby's spot-kick was saved by Jaros, and Rodrigues snuffed out any lingering hopes with 10 minutes left.

Match report supplied by PA Media.