Notts County moved to within a point of league leaders Wrexham after overcoming another frustrating first-half display to win 3-1 at home to Eastleigh.
The Magpies fell behind for the third consecutive game when Aden Baldwin fouled Ousseynou Cisse inside the area, with Danny Whitehall converting beyond Tiernan Brooks.
But another much-improved second-half display saw goals from Ruben Rodrigues (2) and Macaulay Langstaff seal another important three points in this nail-biting title race.
READ MORE: Notts County team news vs Easteligh as Luke Williams hands out league debut
Williams handed a league debut to newest recruit Connor Lemonheigh-Evans ahead of kick-off, also welcoming back Baldwin following his two-match suspension while John Bostock was preferred in midfield.
The returning Baldwin was almost forced into an early mistake on his return to the side - losing possession on the left-hand side to Charlie Carter to provide a three-on-one in favour of the visitors, however, the defender was able to atone for his earlier error to time his tackle to perfection inside the penalty area.
But on a cold night in March, the players and coaching staff provided a fiery opening to proceedings - with Lee Bradbury cautioned following an altercation between Connell Rawlinson and Whitehall before JJ McKiernan became the latest name in Scott Simpson's book for a cynical challenge on Matty Palmer.
Despite the Magpies continuing to turn the screw when a foul on Rodrigues allowed Jodi Jones to take aim from outside the area, forcing Joe McDonnell into making a comfortable save to his right - it was the away side who took the lead just after the half-hour mark.
As Michael Kelly's corner was swung into the area, Baldwin was adjudged to have held onto the shirt of Cisse with referee Simpson pointing to the spot. Primed and ready to face his second penalty in three games, Brooks was unable to repeat his Hayes Lane heroics, with the Spitfires number nine sending the 20-year-old the wrong way.
Two chances fell in quick succession on the cusp of half-time to the National League's top scorer, with Langstaff first seeing his effort acrobatically held by McDonnell before firing over from Brooks' long ball over the top as the persistent boos towards match officials that have been evident at the interval in recent weeks continued as they made there way down the tunnel.
Williams' men would have to do something no side had managed in the league since the end of January and that was to score two against The Spitfires - Jones almost providing the perfect start to the second half as he saw his effort deflected behind which brought a huge roar from the home fans.
Notts continued to create, with Langstaff unable to get more than a toe onto Jones' drilled cross into the area - with appeals for a penalty of their own waved away by the man in the middle.
But the persistence of their second half showing paid dividends on the hour-mark, with a neat one-two between Rodrigues and Aaron Nemane starting the move before the Portuguese midfielder danced his way into the area to send McDonnell the wrong way.
And after having several appeals for a spot-kick of their own, Simpson obliged ten minutes later following a handball inside the area - with the crowd waiting in anticipation, Rodrigues saw his effort saved low to McDonnell's right before scampering to his feet to repel the header on the rebound.
Despite that setback, Rodrigues remained composed and focused on the task at hand and ensuring the Magpies were to go within a point of Phil Parkinson's side.
A great flick from Lemonheigh-Evans saw the ball find the feet of Sam Austin, who in turn looked to shoot but saw his shot deflect fortuitously into the path of the onrushing Rodrigues to stab the ball into the net to send Meadow Lane into raptures.
Another three important points were sealed two minutes from time with Notts' first goal directly from a corner this season, with the National League's top scorer finding himself unmarked inside the area before steering the ball into the bottom corner in front of the adoring KOP.
Here is how we rated Notts this evening.
Tiernan Brooks - 6.5
Provided a few nervy moments with trying to overcomplicate balls into midfield, but consistently had a good starting position to sweep up balls over the top. Barely tested in the second half.
Adam Chicksen - 6.5
Struggled to make the same impact as what we saw in the expansive display against Dorking against in attack, but remained defensively sound throughout.
Aden Baldwin - 6
Started the game with an almost costly mistake, but conceded a needless penalty minutes later - albeit a soft one. Forced off with an injury which is hopefully nothing concerning.
Connell Rawlinson - 6.5
Battled well against the physical Whitehall - but struggled during the first half with some slight lapses of concentration when in possession.
Jodi Jones - 6.5
Deliveries were poor in the first half but massively improved in the second.
Aaron Nemane - 7.5
When attacking his full-back he look like a real threat - creating several opportunities from the right-hand side with much better deliveries in the second half.
Matty Palmer - 7.5
Very consistent once again from the midfield maestro, keeping the game ticking and producing some vital interceptions when Eastleigh looked to break.
John Bostock - 6.5
Kept the game ticking alongside Palmer and won the ball well in the defensive third - his substitution was needed to provide that attacking energy by Austin.
Connor Lemonheigh-Evans - 7.5
A tireless performance in midfield - struggled initially but grew into the game and linked the play between midfield and attack with great effect. A solid first league start.
Ruben Rodrigues - 10
The man for the big occasions. Showed great composure for his first of the night, and while missing a penalty at a crucial point of the encounter, further proved the mentality of this squad by remaining focused and finishing a difficult chance to send them on their way to three points.
Macaulay Langstaff - 8
He was not to be denied his customary goal. Worked tirelessly from the front to press the Eastleigh back-line, getting his just rewards from a corner into the area late on.
SUBS:
Geraldo Bajrami - 7
Looked calm and assured in the middle of the back three - defending well against the difficult Whitehall.
Sam Austin - 7.5
Proved an inspired and influential substitution, providing that endless energy in midfield to give the Eastleigh defence a tiring final 20 minutes.
Frank Vincent - 6.5
Another impactful substitution that affected the game also - showing great energy in the wing-back position.
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