Nicky Summerbee was Nottingham Forest's match-winner but was then hero turned
villain after being red-carded.
The former Bolton and Sunderland winger came up with a stunning strike that
eventually divided 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 of the afternoon.
It was very much a bitter-sweet day for Summerbee, who was booed throughout by
Coventry fans for the part he played in the incident that led to the end of
Steve Froggatt's career.
Coventry players had their minds on other things as they 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 £5million 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 the temperatures rose, 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 goal
scorer Chippo took a wicked deflection, leaving goalkeeper Ward stranded, but
finished just wide of the post.
Teams
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.
Goals: John 59 pen, Summerbee 66.
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.
Goals: Chippo 31.
Att: 22,706
Ref: P Dowd (Stoke-on-Trent).
E-mail Article 
Print-Friendly
Subscribe to RSS Feed 
Post to del.icio.us
Facebook