It was a disappointing finish for Albion who never recovered from going a goal down after only three minutes when the young Scot Gareth Williams netted and they went on to suffer only their fourth home defeat of the season.
Forest, on the other hand, completed their campaign unbeaten in their last eight games. Unfortunately Joe Kinnear's side found their form far too late to make any impact on the likes of Albion.
They were deeply indebted to a five-star performance from their on-loan goalkeeper, Paul Gerrard, who repeatedly defied the home attack.
The pre-match carnival atmosphere generated by Albion's fans was quickly extinguished by a blistering start from Forest.
On the back of an unbeaten run Forest were obviously intent on maintaining their record against promoted Albion and could not have made a better start.
With Des Walker and Andy Reid making their final league appearances for Forest there were some mixed feelings but the travelling fans from Trentside were quickly celebrating.
After only three minutes Williams, who is expected to take over as Forest's midfield mainstay following the departure of Reid into the Premiership, took advantage of a mistake by Neil Clement to advance 20 yards before firing a low shot to the right of Russell Hoult for his sixth goal of the season.
But it was still Reid who was in control of most Forest attacks as Albion struggled to find their best form following two successive defeats.
They slowly warmed to their task with Lee Hughes posing most of the problems for Forest as he demonstrated with a close-range effort which was blocked by goalkeeper Gerrard.
The Forest keeper continued to thwart Albion with some defiant saves as Gary Megson's side strived to get on level terms.
He foiled another attempt by Thomas Gaardsoe just before the break and bravely dived at the feet of the advancing James Chambers to prevent the Albion defender from equalising.
Substitute Scott Dobie then tested Gerrard but the on-loan keeper from Everton again demonstrated his class with yet another defiant save to keep out the home side.
In the last minute David Johnson settled the issue for Forest with a long-range effort which summed up Albion's frustration.