An unbeaten century from Murray Goodwin salvaged a draw for Sussex, but it was enough for Notts to regain top spot.

Sussex began the final day 212 behind at 7-0, and when Charlie Shreck bowled Chris Nash then uprooted Andrew Hodd's off-stump it was 71-2 before lunch.

The defending champions were 148 behind with 71 overs left, but Michael Yardy shared 158 in 50 overs with Goodwin.

Yardy's five-hour knock ended on 93 but Goodwin recorded his fifth century of the season, his third in a row at home.

Yardy's calm influence was vital in what might well have been an awkward day for the defending champions, who are now languishing in mid-table after securing only two wins.

It was not all obdurate defence from the left-hander, however, and he pulled and cut five fours in two overs from one-cap England seamer Darren Pattinson.

Goodwin arrived at the crease when Yardy was on 44, but had overtaken him by tea, reaching 82 with Yardy 78 as Sussex reached 201-2.

That maintained a record of no wicket falling in the afternoon session on each of the final three days.

Both Sussex batsmen seemed certain to make hundreds but Yardy mis-timed a drive at spinner Rob Ferley and was caught and bowled.

A draw was declared with Sussex 24 ahead with seven wickets remaining and 15 overs scheduled in the day.