The only way is up for new manager Ruben Selles and Hull after Sean McLoughlin’s first-half own goal gifted in-form Blackburn a 1-0 Championship success at the MKM Stadium.
The former Reading boss was introduced to the crowd before kick-off, will officially meet his squad for the first time on Monday and then take charge when City host Watford on Wednesday.
Selles faces a massive task with the Tigers bottom of the second tier, winless in 11 and beaten for a sixth successive game.
In contrast, Rovers’ fourth consecutive win – and third in a row on the road – cemented their position in the top six.
It was a classic away performance by John Eustace’s Lancastrians.
They soaked up home pressure, notably in the opening period, occasionally rode their luck and then got lucky with McLoughlin’s 20th-minute own goal.
With Spaniard Selles watching from the stands and interim boss Andy Dawson in the dugout for the final occasion, Hull shrugged off a slow start in atrocious conditions to create the opening opportunities.
A swift counter ended with goalkeeper Aynsley Pears saving Ryan Longman’s deflected effort.
Pears was forced into more decisive action when veteran defender Danny Batth – on his 500th career appearance – fouled Chris Bedia.
Kasey Palmer’s 25-yard free-kick was heading in until Pears pushed the ball over for a corner.
Just as they were dominating, Hull conceded in unfortunate fashion as full-back Callum Brittain’s cross was diverted by unwitting McLoughlin beyond stranded Ivor Pandur.
Hull, though, responded positively as Pears produced a double save to deny Longman and then Abu Kamara a 25th-minute equaliser.
The Tigers continued to carve out the lion’s share of chances and only Owen Beck’s near-post block denied Kamara 11 minutes from the break.
Another timely Rovers intervention foiled the persistent Kamara as Hull took their first-half shot tally to nine without reply.
Normal service resumed soon after half-time with Pears saving Palmer’s long-range attempt.
Unlike the weather, Hull’s chances began to dry up and Rovers even managed a couple of blocked shots of their own though Pandur remained untroubled.
Even their first off-target effort came nine minutes from the end of normal time as Yuki Ohashi ran from his own half before firing over.
Finally, left-back Beck bombed forward to force Pandur into his maiden stop.
Charlie Hughes fizzed a low 87th-minute, 20-yard effort fractionally wide but the division’s joint-lowest scorers drew another blank.
