The Clarets’ saw their unbeaten league record ended as Forest won the battle of the top two to knock Burnley off the summit of the Professional Development League’s northern group.
With the Clarets undefeated in 17 league games and Forest unbeaten in 11, something looked likely to give.
And it was the visitors who cracked to surrender top spot on goal difference.
With captain Anthony Glennon becoming the sixth member of the Clarets’ squad to earn a loan move in pursuit of first-team experience, coach Andy Farrell’s hand was weakened in favour of the bigger picture.