As has often happened this season in the wake of Reds' games, Davies's post-match analysis of his side appeared to be more downbeat than that of his opposite number.
So once again on Saturday the Scot employed his own special brand of downplaying expectations after Tudgay's early goal lifted Forest into an automatic promotion spot.
"I think we are great candidates for the play-offs but if I am totally honest I think we are a little bit short for going up automatically," he said. "That is my honest evaluation.
"I have a great bunch of players here who work extremely hard and I am very proud of what they are doing.
"At the end of the day I look at what our rivals like Queens Park Rangers, Cardiff and Leicester are doing in terms of preparing themselves for the remainder of the season and that's why I take the view that I am."
For Mackay though 'Forest are a top side at this level'.
He added: "What you look at in this division is consistency and players with the ability to change games. They have that.
"When you look at their bench and the experience and ability they have it just shows you what strength they possess."