COVENTRY snatched a valuable point in their battle to secure their Premiership status but were left cursing the City Ground woodwork last night.

Ron Atkinson's side were well worth the draw that lifts them above Manchester City on goal difference and out of the bottom three.

But it could have been a lot better for them had Noel Whelan's 81st minute shot not rebounded off the post.

Whelan's curling effort was one of many chances which Coventry had in the closing stages of an entertaining Midlands derby.

But Coventry had to weather a storm in the first half as Forest, smarting after their 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Blackburn on Saturday, looked to bounce back.

Veteran goalkeeper Steve Ogrizovic was in outstanding form and made one particularly fine save to deny Jason Lee in the 11th minute.

Although Forest had the better chances in the first half, Coventry should have broken the deadlock right on the stroke of half time but Dion Dublin fluffed his chance from close range.

After a quiet start to the second half, the game built to an exciting finish as chances came thick and fast at both ends.

Whelan's shot that hit the post was followed by a left foot drive, from John Salako that was beaten, away by the diving Mark Crossley.

At the other end Ogrizovic had to make a crucial save after Lee had wriggled his way into an excellent position.