Steven Mullaney secured his maiden first-class four-wicket haul to end the Essex resistance at Trent Bridge.

Nottinghamshire were frustrated by a stubborn 103-run partnership from Pettini and James Foster which helped the visitors recover from 118-5 to 329 all out but three bowling bonus points should prove valuable.

Resuming on 61-2, Darren Pattinson ended a pedestrian 6-run knock from Matt Walker, Ryan Sidebottom trapped Ravi Bopara lbw and ten Doeschate was given leg before to Paul Franks to threaten a middle order collapse before Pettini took control.

Nine fours and two sixes punctuated his 96 but his aggression in partnership with number eleven batsman Maurice Chambers led to a misjudged swipe edged to Chris Read.

Alex Hales and Neil Edwards began the reply with eight overs to play but David Masters held a return catch from Hales to end a six-run opening stand.

Nightwatchman Darren Pattinson (2) entered the fray but was caught at second slip. Mark Wagh (0) and Neil Edwards (9) will resume on day three with Notts 33-2.