Notts County's relegation fears were increased following a 1-0 defeat by fellow strugglers Cambridge.
The Magpies were left six points adrift of safety at the foot of League Two as Greg Taylor's first-half goal settled a tense encounter.
More than 15,000 fans had packed into Meadow Lane, but even the biggest crowd of their season could not spark life into Neal Ardley's side.
Kristian Dennis had gone close to an opener from an Elliott Hewitt cross but his shot went inches wide.
But any hope that would signal a spell of intense pressure was wiped out when Taylor rose to loop a header beyond debutant goalkeeper Ryan Schofield from George Maris' corner in the 41st minute.
Jim O'Brien, who was making his County debut following his arrival from Bradford, did come close to an equaliser when David Forde tipped his ambitious 25-yard drive around the post.
Match report supplied by the Press Association.
