It was all set up to be an enthralling evening on Trentside, as Nottingham Forest welcomed Charlton Athletic to the City Ground on Tuesday night.
After beating Leeds United 2-0 at the weekend, the Reds were in touching distance of the automatic promotion places.
But then the Addicks, managed by Lee Bowyer, came to town and spoiled the party in front of a near-sold out City Ground by claiming a 1-0 win over Forest.
Sabri Lamouchi made five changes from the side that beat Leeds at the weekend, with Lewis Grabban, Matty Cash, Samba Sow, Yuri Ribeiro and Sammy Ameobi all dropping out.
In came Gaetan Bong for his debut, along with Adama Diakhaby, Tyler Walker, Carl Jenkinson and Ryan Yates.
It was striker Lyle Taylor, who was briefly linked with a move to Forest during the January transfer window, that netted the winning strike for Charlton midway through the first half.
The result leaves Forest two points adrift of the automatic promotion places going into this , although that gap could be extended should Fulham beat Millwall this evening.
Brentford and Fulham will also feel like strong promotion contenders, as will Preston North End and Bristol City.
There was understandable disappointment among Reds fans after the final whistle on Tuesday night, especially after the buzz created by beating Leeds just three days prior.
But when the dust has settled, it must be remembered that Forest are still in a strong position in the league table, and have the chance to put things right against a promotion rival this weekend.
Lamouchi admitted he made some mistakes with his team selection for the Charlton match, and the Frenchman will know that a better performance is needed on Saturday if his side are to beat the Baggies.
After the trip to The Hawthorns, Forest welcome Queens Park Rangers to the City Ground, before back-to-back away trips to Cardiff City and Middlesbrough.
March then kicks off with matches against Millwall, Huddersfield Town and Bristol City, with an away trip Sheffield Wednesday sandwiched in the middle before the next international break.
There are 14 leagues matches remaining, 42 points left to play for, and Lamouchi will hope that the defeat to Charlton was just a blip.
With the promotion race already neck and neck, Forest can still have belief that this really could be their year.
