Poor batting by Championship leaders Nottinghamshire put them at serious risk of defeat by Surrey.

Notts mustered 218 in response to Surrey's first innings 403 and were made to follow-on.

The hosts paid the price for poor shot selection and five players passed 30 without going on to reach 50.

Saqlain Mushtaq took 3-39 for Surrey, who have the chance of claiming their first win of the season after reducing Notts to 46-2 going into the final day.

Surrey had started day three on 356-7 and their dogged batting display gave them a fine total despite Darren Pattinson taking 5 for 72.

Notts failed to reach the 254 to avoid the follow-on, with Chris Read's dismissal sparking a collapse which saw tailenders Samit Patel, Graeme Swann and Andre Adams all perishing attempting horrible slogs.

The second time around Will Jefferson was bowled for a duck before Matthew Wood and Mark Wagh dug in for 19 overs.

But Wagh fell late on and nightwatchman Adams survived until the close as Notts face a tough task to salvage a draw.