Ian Holloway's side made a solid start to the new season, winning two and drawing one of their opening three games. Four subsequent matches have brought one victory and three defeats.
Like Forest they were involved in a midweek thriller, battling back from two goals down to level at Reading before former City Ground striker Simon Cox scored a winner for the hosts.
"Apart from a few lapses, that's as good as we've played all season," said Holloway after the game.
Last season's corresponding fixture ended in a 2-2 draw, Andy Reid and Nathaniel Chalobah twice bringing the Reds back on level terms.