Nottm F 2-1 Coventry

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Nicky Summerbee was Nottingham Forest's match-winning hero but then turned villain as he was red-carded.

The former Bolton and Sunderland winger came up with a stunning strike that eventually separated the sides in a pulsating Midlands derby.

But 15 minutes from time, Summerbee was sent-off after tripping Coventry's David Thompson for his second yellow card.

Coventry dominated much of the first half and deservedly led with a goal on the half hour from Moroccan midfielder Youssef Chippo.

It came after a shot from £5m striker Lee Hughes had been deflected into his path and Chippo made no mistake from the edge of the six yard box.

Had on-loan striker Lee Mills made more of his goalscoring opportunities, Coventry could easily have been in command by half-time.

He allowed Forest keeper Darren Ward to deflect one chance just wide and, on the stroke of half-time, shot past the post when he looked likely to score.

Forest boss Paul Hart introduced Jack Lester as a second half substitute and the former Grimsby man had an influence on turning the game the home side's way.

He turned sharply in the box to be brought down by Tomas Antonelius and Stern John scored his 13th goal of the season from the resulting spot-kick.

Eight minutes later Forest nosed ahead with that superb strike from Summerbee following a free-kick after Gareth Williams had been fouled by Lee Fowler.

As tempers flared, Summerbee saw red and it was left for Forest to battle through with 10 men.

With Hughes largely kept quiet, Mills had another chance which drifted wide of the post.

And 10 minutes from time Forest had their biggest scare when a shot from Chippo took a wicked deflection, leaving goalkeeper Ward stranded, but went just wide.

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Nottm Forest: Ward, Louis-Jean (Vaughan 20), Hjelde, Scimeca, Brennan, Summerbee, Jenas, Williams, Bopp (Lester 45), Prutton, John.

Subs Not Used: Johnson, Roche, Gray.

Sent Off: Summerbee (76).

Booked: Summerbee, Vaughan, Lester.

Coventry: Hedman, Quinn (Martinez 85), Edworthy, Konjic, Antonelius, Thompson, Safri, Fowler (Joachim 67), Chippo, Hughes, Mills.

Subs Not Used: Goram, Davenport.

Booked: Konjic, Mills, Thompson.

Att: 22,706.

Referee: P Dowd (Stoke-on-Trent).