Patrick McEleney's classy 69th minute goal ensured Derry City extended their lead at the top of the Airtricity Premier Division table at Dalymount Park.
A thrilling second half with several chances at either end made for enthralling viewing as Derry held out for a hugely important win.
Bohemians were bright and busy in the opening minutes and Derry custodian Ger Doherty had to be alert in the second minute when racing from his line to clear following a rare Barry Molloy error.
That was the closest either side came to a breakthrough during a first quarter that was low on goalmouth action even though there was plenty to admire.
Pat Fenlon's Gypsies were eager not to give Derry any time or space on the ball to settle into their normal passing rythm.
As the first half lingered on Derry began to get some joy, however, and a wicked 24th minute cross from Stephen McLaughlin was headed over in a packed area by Eamon Zayed.
Derry were moving the ball around the park in a clever fashion and the Candystripes central midfield trio Kevin Deery, Barry Molloy, and Ruaidhri Higgins were displaying their passing credentials.
Bohemians boss Pat Fenlon reacted to Derry's dominance by switching Aidan Downes from attack to the right side of midfield with Keith Buckley, who was subsequently replaced by Stephen Hurley, going inside to support Ger O'Brien and Glenn Cronin.
The Gypsies had an opportunity to hit the front in the 41st minute when Downes got on the end of a Buckley cross, but Molloy reacted smartly banging the ball away to safety.
That meant that no goal was pocketed during a half high on perspiration, but lacking the necessary inspiration in the final third as both side's defended with admirable determination.
Bohs, remained defiant, and replacement Hurley created an opening for Heary, but the experienced right back was unable to direct a volley on target.
It was interesting after the restart and a delightful Daniel Lafferty delivery was met by a Zayed side foot, but the ball went wide.
For the final quarter Kenny shoved Patrick McEleney forward to assist Zayed as they wanted to nick a goal to extend their lead at the top of the table.
And McEleney duly obliged in the 69th minute converting with smooth opportunism at the back stick after Barry Murphy had saved a Zayed header following a Kevin Deery corner.
Bohs could have pinched a last gasp equaliser, but substitute Chris Forrster's snap shot drifted inches wide.
Bohemians: Barry Murphy; Owen Heary, Liam Burns (Chris Forrester, 82), Aidan Price, Ollie Cahill; Keith Buckley (Stephen Hurley, 46) Ger O'Brien, Glenn Cronin, Killian Brennan; Aidan Downes, Christy Fagan (Anto Flood, 58).
Subs not used: Roberto Lopez, Mark Rossiter, Kevin Feely, Craig Sexton (GK).
Derry City: Gerard Doherty; Eddie McCallion, Stewart Greacen, Shane McEleney, Daniel Lafferty; Patrick McEleney, Kevin Deery, Barry Molloy, Ruaidhri Higgins(Ruairi Harkin, 90), Stephen McLaughlin; Eamon Zayed (David McDaid, 81).
Subs not used: Emmet Friars, Ryan McBride, Michael McCrudden, James Henry, Eugene Ferry (GK).
Referee: N Doyle (Dublin).
