Rory Fallon scored the 41st-minute winner as in-form Argyle notched their third win in a row and left Forest still seeking their first away point.

The victory lifted Argyle to mid-table after their last home match, a 2-1 defeat by Norwich, dumped them on the basement.

Sturrock admitted: "It was far from a classic but we got the result we wanted.

"It was the type of game that we were nervy because we wanted our first win and they were looking for their first away points.

"The players know the tempo that they have got to get to for the whole of the 90 minutes and the work-rate that is required.

"At least we got that today - the important thing was to get the three points and our first home win.

"At the end of the day everyone is appreciating what the hard working is doing for us.

"We are not the prettiest team to watch in the world but we can be effective and we have shown that again today."

Fallon reacted first to central defender Wes Morgan's clearance from Argyle striker Paul Gallagher.

The ball ricocheted off Fallon's left shin and past bemused Forest keeper Paul Smith and into the goal.

The goal - and half-time introduction of right winger Garath McCleary - spurred Forest to their best attacking spell.

Recalled Forest striker Andy Cole - in for hamstring injury victim Robert Earnshaw - forced a superb save from home keeper Romain Larrieu, celebrating his 200th appearance for Argyle with a clean sheet.

Cole went close again seconds later after spinning the ball past Larrieu but just wide after being put in on goal by lively McCleary.

Larrieu then went full stretch to keep out a Chris Cohen effort before Argyle countered and winger Jamie Mackie skimmed the bar from Luke Summerfield's incisive through ball.

Marcel Seip's speculative 30-yard drive nearly caught Smith napping but he responded with a late diving stop.

Argyle had penalty appeals waved away when Mackie looked to have been held back by Julian Bennett as he stretched to reach Chris Clark's left wing cross.

It was Mackie's last action before being replaced by lively Nicolas Marin, keen to impress on his debut.

Forest boss Colin Calderwood said: "It was a bizarre, bizarre goal that changes the result of a very bitty game.

"There were no particular chances for either side and if you get through to half-time you think you might be all right, especially away from home and the game being that way.

"But it was just a summing up of some of the goals we have conceded this season.

"They are happening at the minute. We are striving to get something away from home but we've not taken a point."