Eugen Bopp's late goal ensured Forest a point after a battling display. Wes Morgan had given the Reds a first-half lead.
Forest boss Gary Megson said afterwards: "I honestly, hand on heart, didn't know the permutations of Gillingham, Brighton and Crewe.
"We messed it up last week and therefore we were not even part of that equation so I didn't get involved in it.
"It's like being at someone else's party."