Manager Steve McClaren was very encouraged by his side's display both on the pitch and in dealing with a hectic travel schedule to get to the game, which was settled by an own goal in Forest's favour.
"I can't fault the shape, the organisation and the discipline," he told the official club website.
New signings Reid, Greening and Boateg all featured for the Red who face more European opposition this week when PSV Eindhoven come to the City Ground.