Bohemians staked a claim to finish in the runners-up spot of the Premier Division following this exciting victory at the Brandywell and it was their ability to defend which keeps their season very much on track.
And while a depleted Derry City will feel hard done-by, it was also the ability to take clear-cut scoring chances which proved the difference between the teams in the end.
Sean Connor's men now move into the top four with their UEFA and Setanta Cup claims very much in their own hands and the victory also avenged their League Cup defeat at this venue 10 days ago.
Chris Turner delivered a corner which was met by the advancing and unmarked centre-half, Dean Pooley, who drove the ball home.
And Bohs went close to doubling their lead minutes later when Turner crashed a shot off the post with Pat Jennings beaten.
Derry striker, Mark Farren, missed a great opportunity in the 25th minute when sent clear by Sean McCafferty, the Derry striker denied by Bohs keeper, Brian Murphy in the one-on-one situation.
But the home side levelled matters in the 31st minute following a short corner. Ruaidhri Higgins drilled the ball into the penalty area before Kevin McHugh pounced to hammer it home from just six yards.
Bohemians, however, produced a moment of brilliance in the 56th minute to move back into the driving seat.
Glen Crowe produced a superb cross to find his front-line partner, Michael McGinley, and the striker’s low shot gave Jennings no chance from 16 yards.
Derry huffed and puffed afterwards and while they did threaten, they found the Bohemians defence in no mood to concede a second and, in the process, gave the 'Gypsies' a four-match winning run in the league.
Derry City – Jennings; Deery, Hutton, McCallion, Brennan; McGlynn, Higgins, Molloy, McCafferty; McHugh, Farren.
Bohemians – Murphy; Heary, Pooley, Burns, Powell; Turner (Rice, 37), Hunt, O’Donnell, Singh (Mansaram, 68); Crowe, McGinley (Harkin, 83).
Referee – Mr D Hanney (Dublin)
