Matty Fryatt scored the only goal of the game in the 25th minute to earn a morale-boosting win against Premier League opposition in the shape of West Bromwich Albion as the Reds had their last outing before next weekend's Championship opener.
Stuart Pearce made a total of ten substitutions to give the majority of his squad, including Chris Cohen, a run-out but trialist Mikele Leigertwood lasted only 21 minutes of the game before making way through injury.
In other news, former Forest striker Jack Lester has returned to the club to work as Under-18's coach.
Darius Henderson has joined League One side Leyton Orient after being released by the Reds. The 32-year-old has agreed a three-year contract with last season's beaten play-off finalists.