Steven Croft was the man-f-the-match for Lancashire

Lancashire eased their Pro40 relegation worries after an enthralling one-run win over title-chasing Nottinghamshire.

Chasing 203 for victory, the Outlaws needed 12 off the last over, but fell just short as Charlie Shreck was run out off the last ball of the match.

Steven Croft was Lancashire's star, scoring 68 before picking up 3-33 as the Outlaws middle order collapsed.

Notts began their chase well with Graeme Swann (61), but late hitting from Andre Adams (30) was not enough.

The defeat means Nottinghamshire remain in second place behind Division One leaders Hampshire.

And they now must now play rivals Sussex at home on Sunday in a winner-takes-all encounter for the Division One title.

Outlaws captain Chris Read won the toss and elected to field at Trent Bridge - and his decision was rewarded when his seamers reduced the visitors to 74-5, with Darren Pattinson and Adams collecting two wickets each.

But Croft produced a stirring response, smashing five boundaries and two sixes from his 66-ball innings, ably assisted by Francois du Plessis (31), while England spinner Samit Patel finished with 3-34.

Notts made a blistering start with Swann clattering seven boundaries and three sixes from 42 balls, reaching 88-1 before the innings began to falter.

The home side lost four wickets for just 17 runs as seamer Croft, Tom Smith (2-41) and Glenn Chapple (2-45) saw the Outlaws collapse to 105-5.

Adams brought the home side back into the match in the 36th over, smashing three fours to bring the run rate to a run a ball.

Chapple made the crucial breakthrough in the final over when he had the New Zealand all-rounder caught on the mid-wicket boundary.

A six from Darren Pattinson ensured a tight finish, but with four needed off the final delivery of the match, Shreck was run out chasing an unlikely third run.