Cork City secured a much needed victory in the League Of Ireland Premier Division following a tight contest against old foes Dundalk at Turners Cross.
Cian Murphy finished well on 37 minutes for the only goal of the game.
Fresh off the back of a heavy defeat to St Patrick's Athletic last Friday, this was exactly the response Colin Healy would have wanted from his side.
While Dundalk had plenty of possession over the 90 minutes, they were unable to break down a solid City rearguard.
This fixture was a renewal of one of the great modern League Of Ireland rivalries. It evoked memories from 2014 to 2018, when they regularly battled it out for domestic league and cup honours.
As far as this particular battle was concerned, it was Dundalk who had a decent opportunity in the opening minute, but Johannes Yli-Kokko was denied by a crucial tackle by City defender Jonas Häkkinen on the edge of the box.
In what was a tight opening half, Dundalk controlled the majority of the possession but were finding clear cut chances to be at a premium.
City gradually grew into the contest and were to create the more clear cut opportunities.
Just shy of the half hour mark, Ally Gilchrist headed just wide inside the box. Moments earlier when the ball broke into his path from a Cian Bargary long throw, Kevin Čustović saw his well-drilled effort blocked down well by Dundalk captain Andy Boyle.
On 37 minutes it was Colin Healy’s side that went into the lead. After a flock on by Ruairi Keating into his path, Cian Murphy raced through and slotted home neatly with a low finish, beyond the grasp of Dundalk goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd and in front of a delighted Shed End.
Dundalk looked to up the tempo early in the second half, with Connor Malley seeing his shot blocked down by Kevin Čustović, as the home defence was generally holding firm against the Lilywhite attacking threat.
The away side had a great chance to level on 72 minutes when a Rayhaan Tulloch strike from outside the box went inches wide, with the same man shooting into the side netting moments later from a cross by Connor Malley.
City remained solid heading into the closing stages as they continued to keep Dundalk at bay.
Patrick Hoban was introduced for the visitors and he headed wide as the game entered second half stoppage time.
The Lilywhites piled on the pressure in search of a late equaliser, but it was City that held on for a well-earned and much needed victory.
City travel to face UCD on Friday night, while next up for Dundalk is a home clash against Derry City.
Cork City:Jimmy Corcoran; Cian Coleman, Ally Gilchrist, Aaron Bolger, Ruairi Keating, Cian Bargary (Darragh Crowley, 71) , Josh Honohan, Cian Murphy (Ethon Varian, 77) , Kevin Čustović, Jonas Häkkinen, Joe O-Brien-Whitmarsh (Barry Coffey, 69).
Dundalk: Nathan Shepperd; Archie Davies, Andy Boyle, Alfie Lewis(Keith Ward,57) , Daniel Kelly( John Martin, HT) , Greg Sloggett, Hayden Mueller, Robert McCourt (Patrick Hoban, 72) Johannes Yli-Kokko (Ryan O’Kane, 57), Connor Malley, Rayhaan Tulloch.
Referee: Sean Grant
