Chris Gunter's goal in first-half stoppage time was the difference between the two sides as Forest translated their recent good performances into a vital three points.
Billy Davies' side have now moved on to 10 points from 9 games in the Championship, where a host of clubs are now grouped in mid-table.
With a home game against Scunthorpe and a trip to Peterborough to before the international break, hopes will be high at the City Ground of a top-half position this time next week.