Hereford went into the match on the back of five league matches without a win which was reflected in their nervous play in the early stages which Notts controlled.
Junior Mendes was in inspirational form in the early periods of the game and flashed one great effort across the face of the Hereford goal, but David Pipe failed by inches to make contact for what would have been his first goal of the season.
Notts began to fade and Hereford came more into the contest but chances remained few although County goalkeeper Saul Deeney made the best save of the first half at the expense of a corner.
Notts were unable to get into their stride in the second half as Hereford came more and more into the game. Even the substitution of the more experienced Andy Parkinson for Daryl McMahon on the left side of midfield, failed to lift Notts whose defence was finding it increasingly difficult to contain Hereford's breaks.
However, when the goal came in the 81st minute the defending of Notts back four man Austin McCann and the positioning of Deeney had to be questioned.
Substitute Stuart Fleetwood, showing a fine turn of speed, got away down the right and pulled his centre back perfectly for the unmarked Tim Sills to head into the unguarded net.
Notts applied fresh pressure late on, winning three corners as the game went into stoppage time and, as they bombarded the Hereford goal, they nearly snatched an equaliser.
Visiting keeper Wayne Brown saved off his legs to deny Dan Martin and, following up, Alan White lifted the ball over the angle.