Thn performance of Paddy McCourt will have brought a smile to the face of under-pressure Brandywell boss, Pat Fenlon, following this vital victory over Shamrock Rovers at a noisy Brandywell.
McCourt, a former Rovers player, put in a typically mercurial performance that was rewarded with the game's only goal - a superb finish in the 13th minute which sees the Candystripes climb up to joint fifth spot in the table.
That goal separated the sides but Rovers were also dangerous and while they squandered glorious scoring opportunities, Derry also brought the best out of the Hoops goalkeeper Barry Murphy.
With Greg O'Halloran playing an influential role in the centre of the park due to the absence of Barry Molloy, Derry were always competitive and their determination and work rate fashioned McCourt's vital goal in the 13th minute.
Kevin McHugh played a vital role in that goal when outwitting Rovers captain, Aidan Price and when McCourt swept the ball across the edge of the 18 yards line working his way into space, he let fly with a right-foot effort which crashed into the net.
That goal gave the Candystripes no shortage of confidence but Rovers were always dangerous and three minutes after the goal, they Dubliners were presented with a superb chance to restore equality.
A cross from the left found Andy Myler in space but the striker failed to hit the target.
The Hoops went close again on 31 minutes when a cross from full-back, Dean Lawrence was met by the head of Tadgh Purcell but Derry goalkeeper, Pat Jennings, was alert to produce an excellent save.
Two minutes from the break, the influential McCourt worked his magic again when he found Gareth McGlynn on the left and his low cross into the danger area saw Rovers keeper, Barry Murphy, produce a top drawer save when reaching the ball before McHugh.
Following the change of ends, Jennings had to be at his best to touch a Barry Ferguson header over his crossbar as a Lawrence free put pressure on the home defence.
But Derry's response was immediate. Greg O'Halloran forced Murphy to divert the ball over his cross following a long range effort. From the corner Ken Oman had a header also pushed over the bar by the visiting keeper.
Peter Hynes also forced Murphy into an important save in the 58th minute as a determined Derry continued in search of what could prove a killer second goal.
The home side struck the woodwork again on the hour when a Higgins cross, following a short corner was again met by Oman.
Rovers almost caught Derry by surprise in the 69th minute when, following a quick free-kick, substitute Ger Rowe's low cross into the danger area saw Jamie Duffy and Dave Cassidy get in each other's way and a glorious chance was lost.
That incident summed up Rovers' night as Derry began to show the qualities that made them a force to be reckoned with last season.
Derry City: Jennings; Rogers, Kelly, Oman, Hargan; McGlynn, O'Halloran, Higgins (McCafferty, 85 mins.) McCourt (Brennan, 80 mins.); McHugh, Hynes (Farren, 77 mins.).
Shamrock Rovers: Murphy; Lawrence (Clarke, 90 mins.), Price, Ferguson, O’Brien; Duffy (Kilduff, 75 mins.), Ryan, Cassidy, O'Connor (Rowe, 56 mins.); Purcell, Myler.
Referee: I Stokes (Dublin
