Michael Duffy netted his first Derry City goal as the Candystripes claimed an important 1-0 Airtricity League Premier Division victory against Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
Basement boys Shels had been gritty and determined before youngster Duffy pounced in the 64th minute with a fine finish.
Rory Patterson released Duffy, who was able to drill Derry ahead from an awkward angle and Shelbourne were left reflecting on some early misses.
Dean Kelly and Sean Brennan wasted opportunities for Shels, who were punished by the promising Duffy after the restart.
Declan Devine named an attack-minded team and the early stages offered glimpses of the Foylesiders' considerable potential.
Patrick McEleney was dovetailing nicely with Simon Madden on the right as the full back repeatedly scampered forward.
Madden drilled in a few testing crosses that the Shelbourne defence did well to deal with as Derry were keen to dent Shels' confidence further.
But Johnny McDonnell's side spurned a gilt-edged chance in the 13th minute when Mark Leech's delivery fell kindly for Dean Kelly, who blazed over from close range.
Then in the 19th minute, Derry custodian Ger Doherty had to be alert to make a splendid reflex save to thwart Sean Brennan, who had been involved in a clever exchange with Kelly.
Derry, though, came within a whisker themselves two minutes before the interval when Michael Duffy headed a Kevin Deery cross wide.
It was an open encounter and Robert Bayly was unfortunate that his long-range attempt didn't hit the target.
In first half stoppage time Duffy struck the woodwork and in the ensuing scramble Paddy Kavanagh fizzed a shot across the face of the Shelbourne goal.
But it was Derry who netted first in the 64th minute when Duffy scored following a thoughtful Patterson assist.
Five minutes from time Derry defender Ryan McBride headed a Kelly drive off the line as the visitors held out for a satisfying success.
Shelbourne: Niall Burdon; Pat Flynn, Ian Ryan, Graham Gartland, Jack Memery; Sean Brennan, Sean Hurley, Robert Bayly (Glenn Cronin, 46), Adam Hanlon (Darren Tinnelly, 68); Dean Kelly; Mark Leech (Philly Hughes, 71).
Subs not used: Ger Hanley (GK), Brian Shortall, Adam O'Connor, Stephen Sheerin.
Derry City: Ger Doherty; Simon Madden, Ryan McBride, Shane McEleney, Barry McNamee; Patrick McEleney, Ruaidhri Higgins, Kevin Deery (Sean Houston, 78), Michael Duffy; Paddy Kavanagh (Mark Griffin, 84); Rory Patterson.
Subs not used: James Gallagher (GK), Stewart Greacen, Michael Rafter, Ryan Curran, Raymond Foy.
Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin).
