The Reds fielded a strong XI at Sixfields with Joe Worrall, Scott McKenna and Joe Lolley all getting their first starts of pre-season.
It was a welcome to see nearly 1,000 Forest fans returning to watch The Reds live for the time in over 16 months.
Northampton pressed in the early stages but it was Ales Mighten with the first clear chance after 10 minutes. Cutting in from the left after neat Forest build up play, Mighten forced Liam Roberts into a fine one handed save in the Northampton goal.
Jordan Smith was forced into his first serious action of the evening after 26 minutes, saving a goal bound Nicke Kabamba header. Just before the break, Smith saved again from Jordan Flores ambitious effort as the teams went in at the break all square.
A quick break involving Lolley and Joao Carvalho nearly released Mighten just after half time. Seconds later, good work by Lolley and Jordan Gabriel set-up Lyle Taylor who scored at the second attempt, only three minutes after coming on as second half substitute for Lewis Grabban.
Lolley was looking threatening and after 51 minutes his swerving 20 yard shot flew just over the bar as Forest warmed to their task as they attacked the end housing their supporters.
However, after 53 minutes Northampton almost equalised when substitute Caleb Chukwuemeka found space in the box but shot wide on the turn. Three minutes later, Chukwuemeka had the ball in the Forest net but was flagged for offside.
A Mighten shot then stung the hands of Roberts on the hour mark before, moments later, Cafu doubled the lead with a precise shot from 20 yards into the bottom right hand corner.
Good work by Carvalho set up second half captain, Ryan Yates, after 70 minutes before Smith made a fine save at the other end from Michael Harriman’s long shot.
After 77 minutes, Connelly found the net gaping after a slip by Smith but blazed over from 18 yards.
Carvalho nearly made it three with two minutes left, poking wide via a deflection after being set up by substitute Ateef Konate.
With seven substitutes used it was another useful work out for The Reds as they to eased to back-to-back 2-0 away wins.
MATCH STATISTICS
Forest: Jordan Smith; Jayden Richardson, Scott McKenna (Loic Mbe Soh, 46), Joe Worrall (Baba Fernandes, 62), Jordan Gabriel (Fin Back, 81); Cafu, Ryan Yates (Tyrese Fornah, 75); Alex Mighten (Ateef Konate, 62), Joao Carvalho, Joe Lolley (Nuno da Costa 62); Lewis Grabban (Lyle Taylor, 46)
Subs not used: Jordan Wright
Goals: Taylor (48), Cafu (61)
Attendance: 2,526, including 935 Forest fans