Notts County added to Bristol City's woes as they eased their relegation fears with second-half goals from Mark Stallard and Paul Heffernan in the win at Meadow Lane.

City dominated a first half desperately short of goal-mouth action but County maintained their habit of saving their best for the second period.

They had already gone close twice at the start of the second period when referee Grant Hegley spotted Micky Bell pulling Stallard's shirt and County's star striker scored from the spot after 51 minutes.

Billy Dearden's side, who had won only one of their previous eight matches, drew confidence from that breakthrough and stretched the lead after 67 minutes.

Five players were involved before Ian Richardson nodded down a cross from Paul Bolland and Heffernan dived in to score.

City reacted strongly in the closing stages but fine saves from Steve Mildenhall denied Tom Doherty and Christian Roberts to leave City without a league win in 2003.

---

Notts County: Mildenhall, Fenton, Richardson, Ireland, Baraclough, Bolland, Caskey, Brough, Liburd, Stallard, Heffernan. Subs: Deeney, Nicholson, Ramsden, Francis, Harrad.

Bristol City: Phillips, Coles, Butler, Carey, Bell, Murray, Doherty, Burnell, Fagan, Peacock, Brown. Subs: Stowell, Hill, Beadle, Tinnion, Roberts.

Referee: G Hegley (Hertfordshire).