A header from Connell Rawlinson maintained Notts County's excellent form as they secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over promotion rivals Bromley at Meadow Lane.
The Magpies had roared into a fourth-minute lead when Sam Osborne had cut the ball back for Wes Thomas who smashed in via the post for his 10th goal of the season.
The striker then had a glorious opportunity to double their lead when Alex Lacey was fouled inside the box but Mitch Rose missed the first penalty of his career as he hit the foot of the post.
Third-placed Bromley showed why they were challenging at the top end of the table, however, as they put Notts under spells of intense pressure particularly from set-pieces.
They had a goal ruled out when Chris Bush' long throw was touched in by Joe Kizzi but the referee had adjudged that the throw had already crossed the line and promptly awarded a goal kick.
And they were level in the second half when Michael Cheek drilled in magnificently from 20 yards.
Notts were struggling to fashion any attacking momentum but they grabbed all three points when Rawlinson headed home from close range from Michael Doyle's cross.
And Bromley had to see out the remaining minutes with 10 men after Bush was dismissed after a foul on Wootton.
