Maidstone United 2-5 Notts County

Jim O'Brien's hat-trick was his second for Notts, having never previously managed more than two in a game in his 500-plus-appearance career until he got his first at Maidenhead in February 2021

Jim O'Brien hit a hat-trick as Notts County survived a late fightback to thrash relegated Maidstone.

Although National League leaders Wrexham beat Boreham Wood in the late game to clinch the title, second-placed Notts at least kept the pressure on.

Cedwyn Scott gave the visitors the perfect start when he opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a shot from inside the box before O'Brien doubled the lead 10 minutes later when Jodi Jones' cross fell for him.

The lively Jones then had a go himself late in the first half with a shot that Yusuf Mersin did well to save and the home keeper was busy after the break as the Magpies pushed for a third.

It arrived when O'Brien followed up after Frank Vincent's 60th-minute effort came back off the frame of the goal before Roarie Deacon pulled one back and George Fowler's back-post finish set up a frantic finale.

Ruben Rodrigues settled any nerves when he powered home a free-kick with seven minutes left and O'Brien completed his treble with a penalty.

Match report supplied by PA Media.