Avram Grant endured a nightmare 56th birthday at Upton Park as his side sunk to the bottom of the Barclays Premier League table after losing to fellow strugglers Birmingham.

Nikola Zigic dealt the fatal blow midway through the second half when he nodded home from a Sebastian Larsson free-kick to seal the win and move Blues up to 16th.

Substitute Demba Ba rattled the woodwork on his debut but, otherwise, the Hammers rarely threatened the visitors' goal and looked poor throughout.

Grant's position will now undoubtedly come under scrutiny once more as a result.

The Israeli went into the match knowing a victory would see West Ham record their first back-to-back league wins in what has been a troubled season so far.

Their attempts were hit by a calf injury to James Tomkins in the warm-up. That meant an early recall for Matthew Upson, who had missed the midweek win over Blackpool with tendonitis.

The former Birmingham centre-half was paired with Winston Reid , who came in for the injured Danny Gabbidon

Scott Parker assumed his place in midfield the day after he earned a recall to the England squad.

Cameron Jerome and Barry Ferguson both overcame ankle injuries to make a Birmingham team that was unchanged from Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Manchester City.

The match was a chance for the Londoners to avenge their Carling Cup semi-final exit to their midlands rivals last month.

Ben Foster, whose howler gifted West Ham a first-leg lead in that tie, started nervously, punching an early Gary O'Neil cross clear when it was easier to catch.

The England goalkeeper came out to snatch the ball from Frederic Piquionne's feet after he was put through by the in-form Victor Obinna.

After a quiet opening 15 minutes, West Ham started to pressure the visitors' goal.

On-loan Tottenham striker Robbie Keane played Piquionne in with a clever backheel but the former Portsmouth striker could only fire a tame curler at Foster.

Obinna, who had scored five in his previous two matches before today, then struck a 25-yard effort just wide and Parker threatened with a dangerous low cross that was hooked clear.

Robert Green was called into action for the first time when he collected a low shot from Lee Bowyer on the half-hour.

Jerome beat Green to a header from a corner soon after but the former Cardiff marksman could only glance wide.