Notts County were edged out 3-2 in a thrilling National League encounter at Wrexham when Cedwyn Scott's penalty in added time was saved by veteran keeper Ben Foster.
The Magpies had taken the lead when John Bostock's superb curling free-kick on the stroke of half time nestled in the back of the hosts' net, only for Paul Mullin to equalise four minutes after the restart.
Jacob Mendy then put the hosts in front after being found at the back post for a tap-in, with Kyle Cameron levelling the scores minutes later, setting up a grand stand finish between the title rivals at the Racecourse Ground.
In front of 9924 fans, the home side took the lead when Elliot Lee was able to capitalise on a mistake by Geraldo Bajrami - putting the hosts in the driving seat.
But the drama was far from over when a handball inside the Wrexham area was given in the fifth minute of injury time, but Scott saw his effort agonisingly saved by Foster to send the home crowd into jubilation.
Ahead of kick-off, Williams made five changes from the win over Wealdstone on Good Friday as Sam Slocombe, Bajrami, and Ruben Rodrigues returned to the starting line-up.
The opening exchanges ebbed and flowed, further showcasing why these teams are lightyears ahead of the rest of the division.
The game's first flash point came just shy of the half-hour mark with the hosts finding joy with balls over the top against Notts' highline - this time Mullin had slipped in behind the Magpies defence but when faced with Slocombe he tumbled to the ground. Referee Scott Tallis was not impressed and waved away the penalty appeals.
The visitors managed to fashion their first clear opportunity minutes later, captain Cameron curling in an effort from the edge of the area to force a smart save from Foster.
But on the cusp of half-time, a driving run from Rodrigues earned his side a free-kick just outside of the Wrexham area. Yet to score for the club since signing in December, Bostock placed the ball down before curling an exquisite free-kick into the top corner for his first goal since 2016.
However, Notts' lead lasted barely minutes into the second half as Wrexham broke forward down the right before the ball found itself at the feet of Mullin inside the area and he poked the ball beyond the reach of Slocombe to set up an intense second half.
The goal inspired the hosts and they went looking for a second, Eoghan O'Connell smashing an effort off the crossbar to get hearts racing. It was Mullin who did the business. Set free down the right-hand side, his dangerous ball into the County area found the onrushing Mendy, who fired home to send the home fans into raptures.
Despite that setback, the Magpies were able to get themselves level again six minutes later when another neatly worked set-piece routine undid their opponents, Cameron unmarked inside the Wrexham area to nod home his second goal of the season.
All was set for a grandstand finish, and it was the hosts who managed to grab their Hollywood ending as Bajrami failed to deal with a ball inside the County area, allowing Lee to smash home from six yards out.
But in the final minutes of added time, the Magpies were handed an opportunity to snatch a late point when a handball was given against Wrexham. With Rodrigues off the pitch, Scott took the responsibility, but saw his effort superbly saved by former Premier League keeper Foster to preserve all three points for the home side and put them three points clear at the top of the National League table with a game in hand.
This is how we rated the Magpies...
Sam Slocombe - 6
Maintained a strong starting position that accompanied Notts' high-line and deterred Wrexham's threat from long balls. Nothing he could do about the three goals.
Kyle Cameron - 7
Netted the equaliser in the second half and produced an all-round brilliant display, showing his qualities in the attacking third but did struggle against Mullin at times.
Geraldo Bajrami - 5
Defended well for the majority but had a vital contribution in Lee's winner, unable to clear his lines and presenting the opportunity on a plate.
Connell Rawlinson - 6
Picked up an early yellow card which perhaps resulted in him being slightly apprehensive as the game went on. Got forward whenever possible to offer an outlet.
Adam Chicksen - 6
His threat was nullified in the wide positions, rarely having an influence in the attacking third.
Aaron Nemane - 7
Looked extremely dangerous with the ball at his feet, with his pace causing a number of problems for Jacob Mendy on the left-hand side.
Matty Palmer - 7
Controlled the game from midfield once again, putting in challenges at important times of the contest while also looking to play in the attacking areas of the pitch.
John Bostock - 7.5
Operated in a slightly more advanced position during the contest and it worked brilliantly. His free-kick was out of this world and came at an important time in the contest.
Jim O'Brien - 6
Put into the starting line-up to provide that experience and broke up the play well when called upon, linking well with Bostock and Palmer to control the play for the majority.
Ruben Rodrigues - 7
Was the one looking to make things happen with his driving runs - didn't quite get the rub of the green with some of his play but continued to get on the ball and try to work his magic.
Macaulay Langstaff - 6.5
Starved of very few opportunities to effect the game, put pressed well throughout - almost managing a lucky goal when closing down Foster's clearance.
SUBS:
Sam Austin - 6
Had a slight impact on the game on the game and forced a couple of opportunities but unfortunately not enough.
Cedwyn Scott - 6
Took the responsibility with the penalty and saw his effort brilliantly saved.
Jodi Jones - 6
Rarely able to get on the ball and effect the game during his time on the pitch.
