Seven days that started with high hopes of a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals followed by a push towards the top two in the Championship ended with defeat at Burnley and Forest are now closer to Wigan in 7th place than their weekend hosts in 2nd.
Manager Billy Davies has a number of injury problems to deal with, Andy Reid being the latest, but pulled no punches when speaking about the game at Turf Moor as his side's improved performance after half-time came with the game already lost.
"They played a very direct game that puts you under pressure and quite simply we never handled it."
Wigan are the next opponents for the Reds and made it five wins in six games on Saturday when winning at Brighton thanks to goals from James McArthur and Chris McCann.