A superb Danny Mullen goal in the second half was enough for Derry City to secure a deserved 1-0 win over fellow title contenders St Patrick's Athletic.
The striker netted his fourth goal of the season to help Tiernan Lynch's men secure back-to-back wins over Shelbourne and Stephen Kenny's side, and the six points move City into third place, just a point behind leaders Drogheda United.
Adam O'Reilly was the man of the match, and his tireless running and discipline summed up Derry's fantastic performance.
The Saints thought they had broken the deadlock on 17 minutes as Zachory Elbouzedi's right-wing cross found Jake Mulraney at the back post. He headed home, but his celebrations was cut short as the assistant had his flag up for offside.
Derry went close themselves just after the half-hour mark, but O'Reilly's second effort was parried away by Saints goalkeeper Joseph Anang.
Just before half-time, a misplaced pass by Paul McMullan only found Mason Melia on the edge of the box, but the striker's tame effort was straight at City keeper Brian Maher, who easily gathered the ball.
The deadlock was broken on 48 minutes in superb fashion as O'Reilly's delicious pass released Mullen, who ghosted in behind Tom Grivosti, before rounding the outrushing Anang.
CIty missed a great chance to double their advantage moments later when McMullan found Carl Winchester, and after breaking clear from the middle of the park, the midfielder's cut-back found Mullen around the penalty spot but he was unable to get his shot away and the Saints breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Maher made a top-drawer save on 84 minutes as Aidan Keena's deflected shot had to be pushed around the post by the Derry netminder, who was at full stretch to keep the ball out.
Right at the death the Saints bench seemed to get involved with the home support and after the dust settled referee Damien MacGraith dismissed two from the Dubliners' bench.
Derry City: Brian Maher, Ronan Boyce, Hayden Cann, Mark Connolly, Kevin Holt, Shane Ferguson (Sam Todd 63); Carl Winchester (Robbie Benson 73), Adam O’Reilly; Paul McMullan (Gavin Whyte 73), Danny Mullen (Liam Boyce 63), Michael Duffy (Dom Thomas 78).
St Patrick’s Athletic: Joseph Anang, Ryan McLaughlin, Tom Grivosti (Sean Hoare 63), Joseph Redmond, Anthony Breslin; Jamie Lennon, Barry Crowe Baggley (Aidan Keena 63), Kian Leavy (Simon Power 73); Zachary Elbouzedi, Mason Melia (Brandon Kavanagh 75), Jake Mulraney (Chris Forrester 63).
Referee: Damien MacGraith (Dublin)
