Things are looking bleak for Malky Mackay and his flock of former Bluebirds.
Aron Gunnarsson's 20th minute winner for Cardiff has left Wigan staring at the very likely drop to League 1.
Cardiff are not safe yet but last night's win, only a second in 14 games and just a second on the road this season has opened up a 10 point gap over Millwall in 22nd place and 16 points above Wigan and 19 above Blackpool who occupy the bottom two places.
This is now a five match unbeaten run including three clean sheets. The football is not dazzling but in this period of transition the sooner the club stabilises, puts a run together and confirms it's place in the Championship the better.
Gunnarsson's goal showed the Icelandic midfielders determination as his bulldozed with some finesse through three defenders before slotting the ball home. Cardiff are generally shot shy and there weren't so many efforts last night but crucially the one time it mattered City delivered.
Wigan saw two goals chalked off for offside but they are a team in trouble, big trouble.
Malky Mackay was given a warm reception by the Cardiff fans. He managed a Ayatollah as well.
Speaking afterwards he said "I tried my very best for that football club so to get that response tonight will live with me."
City are back at CCS on Saturday to face Wolves. Two big home wins for Kenny Jackett's side have kept them on the edge of the play offs. They will provide a tough test on Saturday and we will see just how much City have improved this month.