A HAT-TRICK from Notts County star Ruben Rodrigues saw Southend United slump to a third successive defeat this afternoon.

The Portuguese midfielder scored all three of the Magpies goal in a comfortable victory at Roots Hall.

And a missed penalty from Sam Dalby made it even more of a miserable afternoon for the Shrimpers.

Blues’ best spell came early in the game with Harrison Neal volleying over the crossbar before the visitors replied with Frank Vincent seeing his deflected effort easily held by Blues goalkeeper Steve Arnold.

The Shrimpers soon replied with Dalby having a well struck 25 yard shot smartly held by County goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros who then also saved Joe Gubbins’ header from Tom Clifford’s right wing corner.

Moments later, Will Atkinson sent a powerful effort over the North Bank net after a header down from Dalby before the visitors broke the deadlock in the 19th minute.

A free-kick from Harry Arter picked out an unmarked Ruben Rodrigues and his well struck volley was diverted onto the underside of the crossbar by Arnold before it bounced back down over the goal-line.

Blues immediately replied with Neal firing straight at Jaros from long range before Shaun Hobson’s header from another Clifford corner was tipped over by Jaros in the opening action of the second half.

However, County stood firm and doubled their lead in the 61st minute, with Rodrigues again on target.

The midfielder was picked out by a right wing cross from Jayden Richardson and swept a low shot into the left hand corner of the net for his 16th goal of the season.

Blues responded with a double change as both Callum Powell and Jack Bridge entered the action and Powell was immediately involved as he was brought down in the box by Alex Lacey.

Referee Steven Copeland immediately pointed to the spot but Dalby was unable to make the most of the opportunity as his penalty was saved to his right hand by Jaros.

County had no such problems at the other end of the field and Rodrigues completed his hat-trick and the scoring with a looping effort 10 minutes from time.