On-loan Argentinian striker Juan Sara grabbed a late equaliser to salvage a point for Coventry in the battle of the promotion hopefuls at Nottingham Forest.

Forest looked to be heading for a well-deserved victory when Gareth Williams' first senior goal in his 96th appearance gave them a 33rd-minute lead.

But with just three minutes left, Sara, on loan from Dundee, stunned the home side with a close-range leveller.

And Gary Caldwell's last-minute sending-off for a second bookable offence was too late to hinder Coventry.

The result stretched Forest's winless streak to five games and Coventry's unbeaten run to 10.

Forest dominated the first half and went close to adding to their tally after the break, hitting the woodwork, even though Coventry came more into the game.

Paul Hart's side suffered a bad blow after only two minutes when skipper Des Walker limped off, bringing an abrupt end to his recall after a thigh injury.

Coventry were quick out of the blocks and Forest goalkeeper Darren Ward was called into action to save a shot from Craig Pead.

But the home side soon began to show their teeth and the unlikely Williams broke the deadlock after his initial effort was blocked by Morten Hyldgaard.

With Coventry on the back foot Craig Westcarr then headed over the bar from a John Thompson cross, before Hyldgaard saved from Reid.

When Coventry finally threatened, Sara's close-range header from Gary McAllister's cross was kept out.

But Sara made Forest pay with his late goal, which was his first for the club.

Nottm Forest: Ward, Thompson, Dawson, Walker, Brennan, Williams, Scimeca, Prutton, Reid, Harewood, Westcarr. Subs: Jess, Roche, Doig, Bopp, Hjelde.

Coventry: Hyldgaard, Caldwell, Shaw, Konjic, Pead, Partridge, McAllister, Fowler, Gordon, Holdsworth, Bothroyd. Subs: Montgomery, Sara, McSheffrey, Davenport, Strachan.

Referee: T Parkes (W Midlands)