A strong second half display proved the catalyst for Dundalk as they came from behind to secure victory over Cork City at Turner's Cross.
The win keeps Dundalk right in contention for Europe, while Cork remain ninth and in the relegation play-off place at the mid-season break.
The Leesiders, who were seeking to make it five league wins in a row for the first time since 2018, threatened early on through their dynamic attacking duo of Tunde Owolabi and Ruairí Keating.
Patrick Hoban, who last time out equaled Dundalk's all-time goalscoring record which was set by Joey Donnelly way back in 1946, threatened with a low strike for the visitors on seven minutes that was easily saved by Jimmy Corcoran in the City goal.
On 20 minutes however it was City that went into the lead.
It was a well worked move from the home side as Matt Healy picked out Custovic, who crossed well into the box and Dundalk defender Louie Annesley knocked the ball into his own net.
As they attacked the Shed End in the opening half, the hosts were playing with the swagger of a team high on confidence.
Owolabi went close to getting a second Cork goal on 37 minutes, but he was to be denied by an excellent save by Dundalk goalkeeper Nathan Sheppard from close range.
Despite such a strong first half from City, the sides went in at the break on level terms.
On the stroke of half time, Dundalk equalised when a corner kick by Ryan O’Kane evaded everyone and ended up in the back of the net.
The Lilywhites looked more threatening in the early stages of the second half, while Keating had a shot blocked down for City in the 48th minute.
Stephen O’Donnell’s side had a great chance to take the lead on 64 minutes, as Rayhann Tulloch blasted over when the ball fell kindly into his path after being teed up by Andy Boyle.
Dundalk were edging ever closer to taking the lead the longer the second half progressed, with Cameron Elliott unable to get a decent connection in the box from a Connor Malley cross.
Despite being under the cosh for most of the second half, Custovic went close for City on 80 minutes.
Heading into the final five minutes Dundalk deservedly went ahead when an instinctive close-range header from John Martin found the back of the net
With the contest into second half stoppage time, City pushed for a leveller, but Dundalk managed the game out well and held on for a much-welcome win.
Cork City: Jimmy Corcoran; Kevin Custovic, Josh Honohan , Cian Coleman, Ally Gilchrist, John O’Donovan (Daniel Krezic, 81) ; Matt Healy, Aaron Bolger, Barry Coffey(Cian Bargary 81); Tunde Owolabi (Cian Murphy, 85) , Ruairí Keating.
Dundalk: Nathan Sheppard; Darragh Leahy, Louie Annesley, Andy Boyle, Archie Davies; Ryan O’Kane(Paul Doyle, 89) , Johannes Yli-Kokko (Connor, Malley, 58) , Greg Sloggett, Daniel Kelly(Rayhann Tulloch , 58) ; Patrick Hoban , Cameron Elliott (John Martin, 78)
Referee: Rob Hennessy.
