Phil Maynard's team were ahead at the break 13-12 with a try from Jones which was converted by Ben Russell who also kicked two penalties.
Carpenter scored a second try for Coventry in the second half which Russell converted but Nottingham whose try scorers were Hammond, Cobden, Jackson, Streather 2 and Johnston had more than enough points to win.
Details of who Coventry will meet in the play-offs will appear on this site when it is announced.