The draw specialists earned another point each

The Sunderland midfielder suffered a suspected broken leg in an 80th-minute challenge with Youssef Safri.

The stalemate was almost inevitable, with Coventry having drawn six of their last seven matches and Sunderland held in six of their last 10 outings.

But the visitors could have won it late on, Marcus Stewart shooting over the bar.

The first half was lit up by a masterclass from Coventry player-manager Gary McAllister.

But it was Sunderland who struck first, Downing, on loan from Middlesbrough, curling in his third goal of the season after being fed by Julio Arca.

McAllister spurned a great opportunity when clean through shortly afterwards, the ball getting stuck under his feet.

But he made amends by scoring from the spot after Julian Joachim was brought down by Sky Blues keeper Mart Poom.

Stewart spurned a good opportunity on 74 minutes before Healy was carried off on a stretcher.

Coventry: Ward, Pead, Konjic, Davenport, Staunton, Doyle, Safri, McAllister, Warnock, Suffo, Joachim. Subs: Shearer, Whing, Barrett, Morrell, Jackson.

Sunderland: Poom, Williams, McCartney, Bjorklund, Arca, Quinn, Whitley, Healy, Downing, Kyle, Tommy Smith. Subs: Ingham, Wright, Stewart, Proctor, Thirlwell.

Referee: M Jones (Mansfield)