Notts County's survival hopes were handed a significant lifeline as they secured a shock 2-1 victory at promotion-chasing Forest Green.

The Magpies dominated a high-octane first half which saw Forest Green's on-loan Reading goalkeeper Lewis Ward in superlative form.

County, scrapping for their English Football League future, scored the goal their dominance deserved after 57 minutes.

Mitch Rose's torpedo throw was headed clear by Rovers captain Gavin Gunning, but the ball dropped at the feet of Jim O'Brien who wrapped his foot around the ball to beat Ward from just inside the box.

Rovers were back in the contest just six minutes later. County keeper Ryan Schofield was booked after punching the ball outside the box and Joseph Mills took the opportunity to fizz home the subsequent free-kick.

The Magpies picked Rovers off with a sublime moment from Enzio Boldewijn - cutting in from the left the County man unleashed a right-footed effort to beat the flying Ward in the 77th minute.

Neal Ardley's side remain rooted to the foot of the Sky Bet League Two table, four points shy of safety.