Nottingham-born Paul Riley celebrated his 21st birthday with a dynamic midfield performance and a spectacular goal - the first of his career - in the 3-0 win over Colchester.
The modest Riley, who knew only an hour before kick-off that he would be in the starting line-up because of injuries, said afterwards that he knew he had to keep this level of performance going.
County won at home for the first time this season after two draws and three defeats in front of their own fans and form team Colchester - losing for the first time in seven outings - could have no complaints.
They were fortunate to escape a penalty early in the game when central defender Scott Fitzgerald tripped Paul Heffernan after the Notts striker had gone past him.
But Heffernan soon got his name in the score sheet when he darted round a hesitant Liam Chilvers, once on loan with Notts from Arsenal, and lobbed goalkeeper Simon Brown.
Although Notts dominated the first 45 minutes, it was the only goal they had to show at the break although midfielder Ian Barraclough went close with a measured drive which flashed past the post.
Colchester improved in the second period, forcing Notts into some rugged defensive work and the issue was not settled until Riley produced the moment of the match.
Colchester still kept plugging away but, right at the finish, Heffernan doubled his tally and gave Notts their first three-goal haul since last April.
The young Irish striker took an immaculate flick from Mark Stallard and with no support in the box tried his luck from a narrow angle and saw it flash into the goal.
Notts manager Billy Dearden said afterwards that he was pleased by the clean sheet - only his sides second of the season - as by anything else and emphasised that they had to build on this success and turn Meadow Lane into what it has conspicuously not been - a fortress."