A late goal for Abbey meant it was honours shared in this Ryman one north derby clash.

In a match of few clear chances for either side, a point a piece is probably right for both these teams, who are still to record a win in the league campaign.

But it will not feel that way for Forest, who led all the way until the 89th minute at their Cricklefield home.

Lawrence Yiga's headed the Stags into a deserved lead on 38 minutes.

He rose highest in Abbey's area to head home from Marquin Smith's corner, after keeper Harry Ricketts had pulled off a super save to turn Andrew Thomas's drilled shot over the bar.

But the hosts never hammered home their advantage after the break, as Abbey piled on the pressure.

Ade Cole saw his neat chip bounce just the wrong side of the post with Forest keeper Jason Willis in no-man's land.

Abbey twice had the ball in the net but each time was disallowed by the officials. Thomas collected a yellow card when he emulated the famous hand of God with his own version of Maradona's goal.

Then Billy Ellis's sliding block was all that stopped Louis Bristow's goal-bound shot. .

Abbey finally breached Forest with just one minute left on the clock.

Kieran Ogunkoya got to the ball first in a crowded box to head home Marshall Smith's free kick.

Honours even this evening, but not a result which either side really needs as they look to kick-start their league campaigns.

Forest deputy boss Tony Muphy admitted afterwards he was “disappointed” to concede late in the game.

“We were dominant first half, but they did that after the break. We need to learn how important it is to come hold onto leads .

“It's hard to take, but we we hanging and we need to not doing that. We need to come out and to dominate games.”

Murphy added he is confident the players will soon improve with more games under their belts.