Henri piles on pain for Di Matteo

cross to equalise in the 72nd minute. Two minutes later Gestede fired Villa into a deserved lead with a spectacular volley on the turn.

That should have sealed the win but with three minutes remaining Villa failed to halt a mazy run by Hildeberto Pereira and the ball ran for Lansbury who flicked it into the top corner with the outside of his right foot.

Pereira blotted his copybook by earning himself a second yellow card for celebrating with the travelling fans to leave Forest boss Philippe Montanier with mixed feelings.

“He knows the rule and we know the rule, you can’t jump into the crowd,” said the Frenchman. “I will have to check on the video. If he jumped into the crowd there will be a big fine for him.

“It was a tough game for us because Villa started very strongly. They deserved the victory but sometimes you can win a point when you are a little lucky and we showed good character and spirit to draw.”

ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Booked: NOTTINGHAM Goals: