Steven Mullaney reflected on a difficult finish to day two at The Spitfire Ground despite early endeavour with ball and runs for himself and Joe Clarke.
Notts finished the day eight wickets down and trailing by 227 after they had taken Kent's final six wickets for 59 runs in the morning session.
The captain and Clarke then shared a third-wicket partnership of 131 before the latter fell, followed by a spate of wickets for the hosts.