The game turned dramatically in Leeds' favour in the 35th minute when referee Mark Halsey controversially opted to show Cohen a straight red card for his lunging tackle on George McCartney in front of a furious home dug-out.
Leeds skipper Jonny Howson broke the deadlock in the 51st minute and Luciano Becchio headed home a second six minutes later to put the home side in control.
But Forest substitute Gareth McCleary curled home a brilliant effort to throw 10-man Forest a lifeline in the 65th minute but Max Gradel added two goals to give the scoreline a disjointed look.
Davies said: "I've spoken to our chief executive, Mark Arthur, and we're definitely intending to appeal the red card. Definitely.
"We've seen the DVD and the referee said it was for excessive force, but I agree with our chief exec Mark and we'll definitely go to appeal and see how we get on."
Source: PA
Source: PA