City's three-match winning streak in the Pontin's Holidays League came to an end at Liberty Way last night as pacesetters Nottingham Forest claimed a 2-1 victory.

A late goal from substitute Dean Marshall wasn't enough for the Sky Blues, who found themselves two goals behind within 28 minutes as Forest raced ahead through Matt Thornhill and Arron Davies.

Forest had the early pressure with Callum Burgess making a great block to concede a corner before Thornhill sent a looping header from a Ben Fairclough cross beyond Danny Ireland.

And City were left with a mountain to climb 12 minutes later as former Celtic man Momo Sylla, on trial with Colin Calderwood's men, played the ball inside for Davies to hit a lovely shot from the edge of the area which went in off the post.

Academy starlet Adam Walker, who made his reserve team debut against Leicester and scored for the U18's on Saturday, twice he made surging runs forward and set-up Wayne Andrews and Donovan Simmonds, who both squandered decent opportunities.

But the Sky Blues' strike-force combined four minutes into the second half to get the ball in the net as Andrews neatly finished from a Simmonds through ball. However, referee Mr Fletcher called the play back for a foul on Simmonds, much to the dismay of the City support.

Steve Ogrizovic sent on youngster Marshall for Ashley Cain in the 62nd minute and with the City defence a lot less under pressure following the 54th minute withdrawal of Forest star man Aaron Davies, City's midfield started to dictate play.

But Forest could have stretched their lead further soon after as a mistake by Robert Page let in Ben Fairclough, who cut inside for Emile Sinclair to shoot at goal but Ireland dived to his right to push the ball round the post.

Another good stop from Ireland then denied Fairclough from close-range, while his opposite number Dale Roberts kept out Andrews at the other end.

Kevin Thornton then had the ball in the net for the home side again from a free-kick, but again it was ruled out after the referee ruled the Irishman had taken it too quickly.

Ireland prevented Forest substitute David Brown from scoring three minutes from time but the Sky Blues finished strongly as another substitute, Reis Ashraf, saw a shot blocked.

They got a reward for their efforts in the dying seconds of normal time, though, when Marshall arrived at the far post to finish off a Thornton cross.

Coventry City: Ireland, Robinson, Francis, Hildreth, Page, Burgess, Cain (Marshall 62), Thornton, Simmonds, Andrews (Ashraf 81), Walker. Subs (Not Used): Collett, Jones, Ritchie.

Goals: Marshall (90) Booked: Thornton

Nottm Forest: Roberts, Sylla (Power 46), Heath, Byrne, Sharpe, Pearson, Davies (Reid 54), Thornhill, Sinclair (Brown 84), Fairclough, Green. Subs (Not Used): Darlow, Whitehurst.

Goals: Thornhill (16), Davies (28) Booked: Sylla