March was seen as the month Notts would either haul themselves completely away from trouble, or become extremely involved in the dogfight.
That was because it was a packed month, with no fewer than seven games including against four of the teams down there with the Magpies.
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Macclesfield, Barnet, Shrewsbury and Mansfield were all to play, meaning that a good sequence for Notts would see there chances of League Two survival almost a reality by the time April ticked in.
Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of Michael Johnson and his fellow defensive colleagues who ensured Notts were at least hard to beat, March heralded just one win, with another load of draws.
Johnson made his second debut from the bench as Notts began the month with a trip to Macclesfield, who had just appointed veteran League Two manager Keith Alexander.
Alexander was given a perfect start as Notts loanee Ali Gibb failed to track his man allowing for Evans to cross for Izak Reid to smash home. Again it was left to midfield scoring sensation Richard Butcher to haul Notts level with 72 minutes on the clock as he hit another stunner to earn a point.
Another low key and disappointing draw came swiftly after as Barnet picked up a point in a dour 0-0 at Meadow Lane, with the backline again the only good point of nother ineffective showing.
Next up was a home clash with Lincoln City on a Tuesday night, with former Imp Paul Mayo gifting ex-team mate Jamie Forrester the nights only goal as
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They were boosted by the loan arrival of former Stag Wayne Corden, for so long a rival of Notts and a nemesis on several occassions with both Mansfield and Leyton Orient, and he had an impressive March.
With league leaders Peterborough United next up, and the Posh looking for a record tenth straight win, few gave the Magpies hope but yet another sterling defensive effort earned another 0-0 and a precious point that nobody expected.
It had the positive impact required for the next fixture as high-flying Rochdale, backed by a stunning away record, arrived in Nottingham but were sent packing as Johnson scored his very first Notts goal to claim a surprise, but superb 1-0 win.
Johnson and Gary Silk were also heroes at the other end of the pitch with dramatic goal line clearances.
Notts ended the month unbeaten, but it wasn't satisfactory with both games again draws, and again in the form of 0-0.
First at Shrewsbury and then at home to local rivals Mansfield as the Magpies blew a chance to open up a ten point gap between themselves and Mansfield in the second relegation spot.
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March also saw the release of striker Hector Sam after a poor spell at the club in which he scored just twice in 24 games.
He said: McParland on Stags stalemate: "It isn't a disaster and it is another point gained and another game out of the way. Hopefully between now and the end of the season we can pick up a few more wins. We've had too many draws when you look back on things, because we have only lost about three in fifteen or sixteen games. If we can turn some of them draws into wins then it is a different story altogether."
Player of the Month: NCM's list of candidates were goalkeeper Russell Hoult and the regular back four of Adam Tann, Mike Edwards, Michael Johnson and Paul Mayo. It could only be one of those five and Johnson won it. His return had been mammoth and he was a crucial factor in the run of vital clean sheets, even winning the Richdale game with a rare goal.
Verdict: It could have been the month that got Notts out of jail, but the lacklustre attacking showings never allowed that to happen, making fans more and more nervous. Praise for the defence however couldn't be higher, marshalled superbly by one Michael Johnson.
League position: 22nd.
League Two
Chester City's miserable start to the calendar year showed no signs of getting any better, with March greeted predictably by defeat.
Danny Swailes scored the only goal of the game as under pressure league
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Enough was enough and City boss Bobby Williamson was given the sack from the Deva hot seat, with Simon Davies taking temporary charge.
The change on staff had no immediate effect though as a day later, the Blues again went down 1-0, this time away at play-off chasing Darlington.
Two home games next but the Blues couldnt help their plight, no points collected and no goals scored, Wrexham and Bradford were the latest to bowl City over.
Then Barnet beat the Blues and things were looking glum.
The sinking ship were getting closer now down to 19th and just seven points above trouble. The month ended with just one win in seven for Chester. The collapse looked as if it could get worse with many now tipping them for the drop.
Billy Dearden was also sacked from Notts' neighbours Mansfield in March.
A 4-0 home drubbing at the hands of Rochdale didn't help his cause and a winless month saw the cheif out, replaced by Paul Holland, with the Stags still in the drop and seven points adrift of safety with the same amount of games to play.
Two March wins for Wrexham gave a little hope for the Welshmen but it was still the same two names looking destined for the drop.
At the top, Peterborough had marched to the head of the division with another unbeaten month, three points above the Dons but with Paul Ince's side still with two games in hand.
Posh manager Darren Ferguson was crowned manager of the month helped mainly by virtuoso displays against Lincoln and Barnet.
Hereford were starting to stutter losing to both Stockport and Lincoln in March. The Bulls were clinging onto third spot but with Darlington, who were
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Fifth-placed Stockport were emerging as contenders for the final automatic promotion slot. Five straight wins and a draw saw Jim Gannon's Hatters creeping into the frame, five points adrift of third spot.
County custodian John Ruddy was in particular inspired form picking up monthly accolade for the division's player.
Wycombe were another team enjoying a good run of form and looking to almost have wrapped up their play-off slot in sixth. Wins over Darlington, Wrexham and Morecambe had helped the Chairboys edge closer to securing play-off football.
Seventh spot was still well up for grabs though, with Chesterfield currently there at the end of the month but Rochdale and Morecambe still realistic hopefuls.
With Rochdale just a point behind the Spireites but woth three in hand, Keith Hill's Dale were the most fancied.