COVENTRY City under-21s saw their three-game winning run come to an end after suffering a 2-0 defeat against Birmingham City.
The young Sky Blues had won all three of their fixtures without conceding since the turn of the year, including a remarkable 14-0 triumph against Colchester United.
However, first-half goals from Josh Home and Zaid Betteka condemned City to defeat at Knighthead Performance Centre.
The result means Coventry sit fifth in the Professional Development League North table.
Blues made a bright start and created an early chance for Briar Bateman only for Kain Ryan to prevent the striker from connecting cleanly with his shot.
At the other end, City substitute Aston Ellard spurned a glorious chance to break the deadlock as Blues goalkeeper Brad Mayo made a crucial save when one-on-one.
However, Birmingham took the lead on the half-hour mark as Home confidently placed a shot into the corner of the goal after winning the ball high up the pitch.
And the home side doubled their lead on 41 minutes as Betteka beat three defenders before picking out the left corner.
The Sky Blues had a chance to reduce the deficit moments before the break only for Mayo to deny Aidan Dausch from a one-on-one situation.
Coventry’s under-21s are next in action against Leicester City in the Premier League Cup on Friday, January 31 with kick-off at 7pm at Leicester’s training ground.
