Derby were in danger of surrendering top spot in the Coca-Cola Championship despite coming from behind to snatch a draw against Coventry.

After a goalless first half, Leon McKenzie pounced on an under-hit back pass by Tyrone Mears to give the visitors the lead 17 minutes from time, but Rams skipper Matt Oakley levelled six minutes later.

Despite late pressure, the home side were unable to find a winner, meaning Sunderland would leapfrog them with victory at Southampton in the late kick-off.

With that in mind prior to kick-off, Derby unsurprisingly recalled top scorer Steve Howard after his two-match ban, while also handing a start to veteran defender Marc Edworthy against his former side.

Coventry boss Iain Dowie responded to his side's second straight defeat by changing half his outfield line-up. In came Robert Page, Jay Tabb, Isaac Osbourne, McKenzie and Kevin Kyle - the troubled striker's first start since February.

The opening exchanges were cagey and, at times, physical.

Edworthy was down for around two minutes after taking a blow to the nose in an aerial challenge, which also required some touchline treatment.

Craig Fagan was also sent sprawling by Marcus Hall, as was Arturo Lupoli after a rash tackle from Adam Virgo.

Almost 15 minutes elapsed before either goalkeeper was tested, Michael Doyle's swivel and shot from the edge of the box held easily by Stephen Bywater.

Derby (0) 1 Coventry (0) 1

Derby Bywater, Mears, Edworthy, Moore, McEveley,Fagan (Bisgaard 71), Oakley (Seth Johnson 90), Jones, Barnes,Howard, Lupoli (Currie 77).

Subs Not Used: Grant, Camara.

Goals: Oakley 79.

Coventry Marshall, Virgo, Page, Ward, Hall, Osbourne, Hughes,Doyle, Tabb, Kyle (Adebola 81), McKenzie (Mifsud 77).

Subs Not Used: Steele, Cameron, Turner.

Booked: Virgo.

Goals: McKenzie 73.

Att: 29,940

Ref: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).