Abel Hernandez scored the only goal of the game for Hull City to put them in play-off places heading into the international break and leaving the Reds occupying the mid-table berth that many supporters will have felt was the limit of their expectations this season.
Hernandez had earlier seen his penalty saved by Dorus de Vries but, after seeing his side register 28 shots in the game, City Ground boss Dougie Freedman hailed an 'outstanding' performance afterwards despite the defeat.
Seven points from the five games played since the last international break represents a solid enough haul.
Freedman (and captain Henri Lansbury after Saturday's game) can point to some unlucky moments within those matches although the rub of the green was with Forest when they were allowed back into the game at Queens Park Rangers with Rob Green being sent off.
Away performances have certainly given some cause for optimism and the Reds get back into action at Bristol City, currently bottom of the table, when the Championship resumes.