But, despite the obvious improvement and desire of the players, Notts still could and probably should have lost this game.
Had Mansfield midfielder Giles Coke found the net instead of the right-hand post when faced with an open goal in the dying moments, Gudjon Thordarson and his team may well have been treated to a different reception to the raptourous applause they received at the final whistle.
When County improve their performance so obviously but are within the width of the post of losing to their local rivals - who have battled relegation for most of the campaign - it surely shows just how much work Thordarson and his backroom staff have to do if they're going to build a side capable of promotion next season.
(6 Average)
Kevin Pilkington - 7, Granted a less-than pleasent reception by the sizable travelling following, Pilkington let the booes inspire rather than hinder his game. Produced excellent saves in both the first and second half to deny Reet and Wilson and was completely blameless for both of the goals conceded.
Nathan Doyle - 6, Patchy home debut for the Derby loanee. Probing in possession but often was caught out of position defensively. A midfielder playing as a full-back.
Julien Baudet - 6, Relished his physical battle with Mansfield's Barker and shackled the powerful striker well for long periods, until a lapse of concentration allowed the Stags' skipper to head home his 20th goal of the season. Score-draw.
Kelvin Wilson - 8, Star man. Nottingham-born Wilson knew what Derby day was all about and provided a hugely-commited display to the delight of the home support. Far and away the best defender on the field, he twice denied Mansfield forays with immaculate challenges.
Rob Ullathorne - 6, Welcome return to the team for the veteran who has spent almost all of 2006 sat on the sidelines. Gave the team balance going forward and performed his defensive duties with the minimum of fuss.
David Pipe - 8, Relishes battles such as these. Pipe gave a typical all-action display on the right-side of midfield and provided the team's most consistent attacking threat. Commited as ever, fans will be hoping that the Welshman remains a Notts County player next season.
Lee Crooks - 6, Provided a calming influence in midfield. Passing was top-notch, though he will have been disappointed with a series of wayward long-range efforts.
Mike Edwards - 6, The defender was again asked to play as an advanced midfielder and Edwards' sheer effort and hard work often made-up for a lack of footballing technique. Aerial ability is such a strong weapon at both defensive and attacking set-pieces.
Chris Palmer - 7, Winger was preferred to both Noe Sissoko and Liam Needham in midfield and repaid his manager's faith with a superb long-range effort that gave the Magpies the lead. Impressed when moved back to full-back late-on.
Jake Sheridan - 6, Lively forward often struggled due to a lack of service but excelled when switched to the left wing for the closing stages. Provided the run and an excellent cross that led to the Magpies' equaliser.
Eugene Dadi - 5, While Dadi is clearly the Notts striker with the most natural ability, the Frenchman is not coupling that ability with a willingness to work for the team. Even infront of a vastly bolstered crowd, the striker was often little more than a spectator due to his lack of heart for the battle. Substituted in the 40th minute due to a dead leg.
Subs
Daniel Chillingworth (Dadi, 40) - 7, On-loan striker's late equaliser was just reward for easily his best display since arriving at the club almost a month ago. A willing runner in attack, the striker troubled the Mansfield defence and was unlucky to see a dipping 25-yard strike tipped over the bar by Pressman.
Lewis McMahon (Ullathorne, 69) - 5, Youngster has been unable to build on his excellent start for the club and this was another below-par display. Failed to exert any influence on procedings.
Not Used: Marshall, O'Callaghan, Sissoko.