"It was a good workout for both teams," he said. "We wanted it to be high tempo and it was. It was played in the right spirit. Forest pushed us very hard, they played well.
"I do still hope to bring more players in, but it is difficult for us. It is going to cost significant money to improve what we have got and it is hard to persuade clubs to part with the kind of player we want to bring in."
Former Forest player Steve Stone continued his comeback, after missing almost all of last season with a serious Achilles injury and Blackwell hopes the veteran midfielder will play a key role this season.
"Because we haven't got the biggest of squads, it is good to have him in there because of his adaptability," he added. "Steve can play out on the right or, as he did on Saturday, in the centre of midfield."