Jim O'Brien's second Notts County hat-trick was enough to see Luke Williams' side come away 5-2 victors at Maidstone - but it wasn't made easy for the promotion chasers.
The Magpies took five minutes to take the lead when Cedwyn Scott scored before O'Brien claimed his first of the afternoon with a fine finish high into the roof of the net.
When the Scottish midfielder notched his second on the hour-mark, many predicted Notts would cruise to three points, but two goals in two minutes from Maidstone duo Roarie Deacon and Harry Fowler had supporters of Wrexham cheering on the already relegated Stones.
READ MORE: County team news vs Maidstone as changes made in penultimate league fixture
READ MORE: Notts County boss details pivotal message for final two games
However, goals from Ruben Rodrigues and O'Brien - rounding off his hat-trick from the penalty spot - was enough to keep Notts hopes of claiming the National League title alive.
Ahead of kick-off, the Notts head coach made five changes to the side that beat Woking at Meadow Lane last weekend - Sam Slocombe rested as a precaution while Macaulay Langstaff was named amongst the substitutes after picking up an illness in midweek - Scott recalled for his first start since February.
And it took the Magpies number 19 just five minutes to open the scoring, pouncing on a defensive howler by Yoan Zouma as he stumbled over the ball on the edge of his own penalty area, presenting Scott with the opportunity to score his first goal in nine games after just returning from injury.
That early strike seemed to settle any early nerves present ahead of kick-off, with the visitors doubling their advantage 10 minute later after neat interchange between Ruben Rodrigues and Jodi Jones saw the latter's cross not cleared once again by the Maidstone defence - O'Brien on hand to smash the ball into the roof of the net in front of the travelling Notts fans.
Williams' side were intent on adding to the 113 goals amassed so far this campaign, Frank Vincent almost rounding off his first league start with a goal as a sweeping Notts move was halted at the final hurdle as Yusuf Mersin produced a smart save down to his right.
However, the hosts were able to calve out their first meaningful opportunity 10 minutes into the second half, Bivesh Gurung able to beat the offside trap but seeing his effort saved by Archie Mair in the Norwich City loanee's first involvement of the afternoon.
But having rarely threatened the Maidstone in the early exchanges of the second period, Notts increased their lead on the hour-mark as Vincent's effort cannoned off the crossbar but fell kindly into the path of O'Brien to steer the ball under the grasp of the Stones keeper.
Despite looking comfortable and cruising towards another routine three points, two goals within a minute had the hosts on the verge of completing the most unlikely of comebacks and hand Wrexham the National League title.
Having scored against the Magpies in the Maidstone's FA Trophy win at Meadow Lane in January, Deacon was allowed time and space inside the area to finish high into the of the net, with captain Fowler scoring a minute later as he climbed highest at the back post to set up a nervy final 15 minutes for the visitors - almost finding themselves level in a remarkable turn of events, Sam Bone's effort cannoning off the crossbar much to the relief of the Notts fans behind the goal.
But after riding that initial wave of pressure from the home side, Williams' men were able to finally able to put the game beyond their resilient opponents through a moment of magic - Rodrigues taking aim from a free-kick just outside the area and finding the top corner with the aid of a fingertip from Mersin.
But the points were sealed from the penalty spot after Rodrigues was fouled inside the area - normally taking responsibility from 12 yards, the midfielder handed the ball to O'Brien to complete his hat-trick and keep their hopes of the claiming the National League title alive.
Here is how we rated the Magpies players this afternoon.
Archie Mair - 6
Nothing he could do about the two Maidstone goals after being kept relatively quiet all afternoon - distribution was excellent again.
Kyle Cameron - 6
Struggled on a couple of occasions early on with the pace Roarie Deacon and was uncharacteristically sloppy when in possession.
Aden Baldwin - 6
Looked comfortable until the two goals, often wanting to continue to play out from the back and providing unwanted pressure for his defence late on.
Richard Brindley - 6
Found himself outnumbered during the second half with the majority of Maidstone's play coming down the Notts right-hand side.
Frank Vincent - 7.5
Another busy performance on his first start of the season, almost capping off a fine Notts move in the first half before firing an effort off the crossbar that led to O'Brien's second of the afternoon.
Jodi Jones - 8
Teased and tormented the Maidstone defence from start to finish with his directness and precision from the wide positions.
Jim O'Brien - 10
A combative display from the experienced midfielder, showing his influence in the attacking third by notching his second hat-trick for Notts County.
Matty Palmer - 8
Typical performance from the midfielder, controlling the game from start to finish and stretching the pitch with his array of passing.
Sam Austin - 7.5
Another tireless display in the attacking third from Austin - doubling up with Scott to start the press while also producing some incisive passes from midfield.
Ruben Rodrigues - 8
Grew into the game and stepped up during the pivotal moments with a sublime free-kick and winning the penalty late on.
Cedwyn Scott - 8.5
A brilliant display on his return to the side - notching his first goal in nine games early on to ease the tension while also working tireless up front and instigating the press from the front.
SUBS:
Macaulay Langstaff - 6
Unable to make an impact when introduced.
Aaron Nemane - 6
Similar to Langstaff, was kept penned back and not able to utilise his pace out on the right-hand side.
Junior Morias - 6
Put himself about during his time on the pitch.
