Jeff Kenna's Galway United notched up a crucial win in their relegation six-pointer against Finn Harps at Finn Park.
Both teams remain in the drop zone but for the first time this season Galway are ahead of the Donegal side, albeit on goal difference.
Harps went into this clash with just one win in their last six games while Galway had secured just one victory also, plus a draw during the same period.
The visitors were boosted by the presence of Danish striker Jesper Jorgenson who made his debut while player manager Jeff Kenna - the former Republic of Ireland international - togged out for the westerners and put in an assured performance in defence.
Harps showed two changes from the side that was thrashed 4-1 by Sligo Rovers, with Chris Breen dropped and Stephen Parkhouse suspended.
Austin Friel, the former Dungannon Swifts man, played up front with Conor Gethins while Stuart Malcolm returned from injury.
Galway looked the more polished out fit early on and new Danish striker Jesper Jorgensen went close with a close-range header straight at goalkeeper James Gallagher.
Two minutes later the home side had a real scare when James O'Shea latched onto a wayward pass and spotted Gallagher well off his line but his well struck shot struck the woodwork and bounced back into play.
But gradually Harps - with just one win in their last eight games - came into the contest and recent arrival Austin Friel shot narrowly wide on 20 minutes after their best move of the game while Michael Funston also went close.
Harps then had a penalty plea waved away after Funston went down under pressure from John Russell.
However, Kenna's troops took the lead on 38 minutes when John Russell fired home as he connected with a low drive into the box from the lively O'Shea.
Jorgenson then toe-poked just wide following a neat build up at the start of the second half as Galway continued to hold the upper hand.
Harps then gave Galway another scare when substitute Marc Brolly saw his powerful header saved by Gary Rodgers, but Galway then sealed victory as man of the match O'Shea grabbed a second with a cracking drive in the 89th minute.
Finn Harps: Gallagher, Mukendi, Holmes, Minnock, Malcolm, McCafferty, Funston, McGowan, Friel, Gethins, Tyrell. Subs: Brolly for Tyrell (45 mins).
Galway United: Rodgers, Kenna, Jorgensen, Glynn, O'Shea, Lester, McCulloch, Murray, Russell, Conneely, Davoren. Subs: Molloy for Glynn (72 mins), Foley for Davoren (87 mins), Faherty for Jorgensen (89 mins).
Referee: Mr. D. Hanney (Dublin).
