The Reds secured a dramatic win from behind on the South Coast as a late brace from substitute Charlie Wellings guided Forest to victory.
Forest Women made their return to Barclays WSL2 action following the international break with a trip to third place Southampton.
Head Coach Carly Davies named an unchanged eleven from the side that faced Women’s Super League side Everton in the cup.
Elsewhere, Rachel Rowe and Tove Almqvist returned to the matchday squad following spells on the sideline with injuries.
The first opportunity came the way of the hosts when Atlanta Primus’ strike crashed against the woodwork.
Neither side could create a chance of note in the following spell as the two sides battled away on the South Coast in the search of the opening goal.
Forest broke the deadlock when Amy Rodgers found Chantlelle Boye-Hlorkah with an excellent ball over the top; the forward charged towards the Saints goal and saw her effort saved, with Nahikari García following up to slot home the rebound.
The hosts netted a quickfire equaliser as Mary Bashford tapped home from a free kick into the area to give Southampton their leveller.
HALF TIME: Southampton 1-1 Nottingham Forest
There was a good chance for the visitors as Boye-Hlorkah broke into space down the right channel, skipping past two defenders and firing a cross to García in the area, the forward saw her effort blocked well.
With the tie approaching the hour mark, Forest made their first switch as Rachel Rowe made her return from injury to face her former side.
Southampton took the lead with 20 minutes remaining in the tie as Jess Simpson headed home from a corner kick.
Charlie Wellings and Caragh Hamilton were introduced as the visitors searched for an equaliser with seven minutes left of the 90.
It was an instant impact from substitute Wellings as Rowe’s through ball found the forward in the area to calmly slot home the leveller.
Forest turned the tie around with their second goal in as many minutes as the two substitutes linked up again with Rowe playing Wellings through to score her second as the Reds took the lead and secured all three points on the road.
FULL TIME: Southampton 2-3 Nottingham Forest
The result sees Forest climb to fourth in the table with a huge clash on Trentside awaiting the Reds up next as Birmingham City visit the City Ground.
Tickets are available to purchase online from just £6 – don’t miss out on what promises to be an exciting encounter and get your tickets now.
Forest: Batty, Hed, Mustaki, Green, Stapleton, Smith (Hamilton 83’), Rodgers, Thomas, García (Rowe 59’), Boye-Hlorkah, Claypole (Wellings 83’)
Subs: Ferguson, N. Johnson, V. Lia, Almqvist, Rowe, Wellings, Olding, Hamilton, Howe