Burnley's 100% home record ended in the local derby with Wigan, whilst Stoke's late winner at Tottenham shocked the faithful at White Hart Lane.
The battle of the cellar dwellers at the KC Stadium saw Hull and Portsmouth grind out a dire 0-0 draw with Pompey doing enough in the second half to have taken all the three points but for Tigers keeper Boaz Myhill.
Steve Bruce's return to Birmingham as manager of Sunderland ended in a 2-1 defeat.
Liam Ridgewell opened the scoring on 37 minutes and the Blues doubled their advantage just after the break through James McFadden.
A Scott Dann own goal with eight minutes remaining meant an anxious end to the game for the home side who held on for the three points.
Stoke's stand-in keeper Steve Simonsen was in inspired form at White Hart Lane as he kept Tottenham at bay with a string of fine saves.
This laid the foundation for a dramatic Stoke winner with just four minutes remaining through Glen Whelan.
Meanwhile in East Lancashire Burnley lost their 100% home record 3-1 to Wigan despite taking an early lead through Steven Fletcher.
An error by Clarets keeper Brian Jensen allowed Hugo Rodallega to level.
Rodallega then put the visitor's ahead just after half time.
Emmerson Boyce added a third in the 76th minute to complete a miserable afternoon for the hone side.
Wolves came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with local rivals Aston Villa in a poor derby at Molineux.
