Derry City blew the race for the Premier Division wide open at a capacity packed Brandywell with a 2-0 victory over Shelbourne.
Derry's victory guarantees a fascinating finish to the 2006 season, as the Candystripes are now just three points adrift of Shels but with the benefit of a game in hand.
The 2-0 scoreline also reduces Shelbourne's goal difference to six, as both sides face difficult games ahead.
Playing in front of an estimated attendance of 5,000, Derry enjoyed long periods of possession but it wasn't until the second half that the Brandywell exploded.
In the 52nd minute, Sean Hargan's delivery into the area saw Ciaran Martyn's initial shot blocked by keeper Steve Williams before the Sligoman drove the rebound high into the net for his 8th league goal of the season.
And the home side, spurred on by their impressive support, added a second insurance goal in the 64th minute.
Gary Beckett gained possession on the half-way line and after swivelling, the striker found former Shamrock Rovers ace Paddy McCourt, on the left flank who raced forward and guided the ball beyond the reach of the advancing Williams.
During added time Derry's Eddie McCallion headed a Stuart Byrne effort off his goal-line as the home side held on for what proved a thrilling win.
Derry City: Forde; McCallion, Kelly, Hutton, Hargan; McGlynn, Molloy, Martyn, O'Flynn (McCourt, half-time); Beckett (Delaney, 89 mins.), Farren (Deery, 68 mins.).
Shelbourne: Williams; O'Halloran, Hawkins, Dillon (Harris, 68 mins.), Rogers; Baker, Ndo (Crawford, 55 mins.), S. Byrne, Cahill; J. Byrne (O'Neill, 78 mins.), Crowe.
Referee: Mr Damien Hancock (Dublin).
