Michael Duffy’s spectacular first half strike moved Derry City to within a point of leaders Shamrock Rovers with seven games to go.
The winger curled a right footed strike into the top corner of the net on 39 minutes to breathe new life into the Division title race.
It was far from a comfortable night on Foyleside for the home side though with Brian Maher producing a stunning save from Ethon Varian.
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There was a delay in play on seven minutes after Derry defender Ciaran Coll fell awkwardly when contesting a high ball with Ali Coote.
Coll received treatment on the pitch during a 14-minute stoppage before being taken to Altnagelvin Hospital by ambulance.
The lengthy stoppage disrupted the flow of the match with both teams struggling to get into their stride. It needed a bit of magic to spark the match into life and Duffy provided it with a stunning strike with the inside of his right foot.
For all of Derry’s dominance, they needed Ireland U21 keeper Maher to keep their narrow lead intact on 62 minutes. Liam Burt’s throughball sliced open the defence but Varian’s low strike was saved superbly by the outstretched leg of Maher.
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