It is now just one win in nine games for Birmingham City after they were deservedly beaten at Championship rivals Coventry City.
Despite making a bright start, the Blues found themselves a goal down on the half-hour mark as Callum O'Hare drew first blood for the hosts with a goal on only his second start after returning from a year-long absence with an ACL injury.
Only the brilliance of goalkeeper John Ruddy kept Wayne Rooney's side in the game as he produced a series of fine saves to deny the likes of Haji Wright, Ellis Simms and Milan van Ewijk either side of half-time.
But there was nothing the former Everton and Norwich City goalkeeper could do to deny O'Hare doubling his own tally and his side's lead with just under quarter of an hour remaining as the midfielder rounded a couple of weak challenges before firing into the top corner of Ruddy's net.
That was enough to kill off any hopes of an unlikely comeback and left Rooney's men sat seven points clear of the relegation zone with many of their rivals in the bottom half in action on Saturday afternoon. After another disappointing night for the Blues, BirminghamWorld hands out the player ratings from a below-par display against their Midlands rivals.
1. John Ruddy - 8
Kept the Blues in the game with several impressive saves. Sadly his efforts would lead to nothing.
2. Juninho Bacuna - 6
Booked early on and seemed to impact on him. Stuck to the task reasonably well and avoided a red.
3. Marc Roberts - 7
Hard to believe this was his first start of the season because there were times when he seemed to be defending on his own.
4. Emanuel Aiwu - 6
Photo: Struggled to cope with a lively Sky Blues attack.