WINGER Aaron Rodriguez admitted he was “delighted and relieved” to end his long wait without a start by scoring a brace in Dorchester Town’s 4-1 win over Basingstoke.

Manager Callum Brooks thrust the Magpies’ number 11 into the starting line-up for the first time this calendar year and Rodriguez repaid his faith by netting his fifth and sixth goals of the season.

Former Weymouth man Rodriguez also took his career Magpies tally to 11 goals from 53 games.

Rodriguez’s strikes handed Dorchester a 2-1 lead, with Ben Seymour adding a brace to complete the scoring.

Speaking to Echosport, Rodriguez spoke of the need to be “patient” before seizing upon his chance to impress.

He said: “That was my first start this year and I’ve had to be patient this season, as have most of the other players.

“To be honest, I was so delighted and relieved to see that first one go in the net. That gave me the confidence to go on and play my normal game.

“I have to thank (Antonio) Diaz for the pass, it was really windy out there and it wasn’t one of those balls where you’re waiting for it to come down.

“It made my mind up for me for what I was going to do and the rest was just instinct.”

On his second goal, Rodriguez added: “I was stretching for the finish but like the first one I was just delighted to see it go over the line.

“We were saying at half-time if we got the second goal we’d be ahead and not chasing the game and I’m delighted it went in.”

Rodriguez also expressed the strain his time on the bench put on him, highlighting the need to remain “strong” mentally.

He said: “Everyone knows this game does test you mentally, you’ve just got to be strong.

“Everyone goes through a phase where they have to be patient. I’ve got a chance to keep my place in the team now and hopefully I can do that.

“Since Callum’s come in he’s been really positive and everyone’s got on board. He’s made it pretty clear that he’s going to give everybody a chance, it’s just up to us to take it.

“We’re all behind him and he’s behind us as well. We can tell this week, we’ve picked up seven points, scored 13 goals so we’re all behind Callum and we’re confident we’ll be alright this season.”

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830990

e: neil.walton

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @EchoSportNeil