Refusing to blame the officials for allowing the Reds' second goal, which was given despite an offside flag, the R's boss felt his side offered 'no end product' in the absence of Charlie Austin.
Having refused to get too downbeat with his side's results in recent weeks, meanwhile, Forest manager Billy Davies was not getting carried away with a fine victory over the pre-season title favourites.
He felt that the home side got what they deserved, not only for their performance on the night but after some frustrating recent outings at the City Ground.
Makeshift frontman Greg Halford got the all-important opening goal but his role highlighted that the search for a striker is what will take up most of Davies' time in the January transfer window.
For now though it is straight back down to work with another tough home game to come on Sunday against Leeds before a trip to face fellow play-off contenders Reading on New Year's Day.