Lewis McGugan grabbed an injury-time equaliser to earn Nottingham Forest a 1-1 draw at Cardiff which prevented the hosts from taking over at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship.

Jay Bothroyd looked to have secured victory for the Bluebirds when he slid a left-footed shot past Lee Camp in the 63rd minute following a neat through ball from Joe Ledley.

But Forest, who have yet to lose away from home in the league this season, refused to lie down and claimed a deserved point when substitute McGugan lashed home a wonderful half-volley from the edge of the box in the 91st minute.

Although Forest impressed with some neat build-up play, they lacked a cutting edge in front of goal and rarely troubled home goalkeeper David Marshall prior to McGugan's late leveller.

In contrast, Camp was called upon to produce excellent saves to deny Peter Whittingham and Ledley in an entertaining first half.

Cardiff moved ahead as Bothroyd claimed his fifth goal of the season following a swift counter attack involving Whittingham and Ledley.

Forest huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser, but they rarely looked like breaching the home defence.

However, they got their reward at the death as the ball broke kindly for McGugan - who had replaced Guy Moussi with 13 minutes remaining - to unleash an unstoppable left-footed shot past the despairing Marshall.