Will Patching scored against UCD for the third match running as Derry City ended their slump with a first win in eight at the UCD Bowl.
The narrow, hard-fought victory edges Derry to within a point of second-placed Dundalk.
UCD's long season continues as Andy Myler's side remain three points adrift at the foot of the table following Finn Harps' late equaliser against St Pat's.
While skipper Jack Keaney returned to the College line-up following suspension, Ireland under-21 winger Liam Kerrigan wasn’t included ahead of his impending transfer from the club.
Despite injuries depriving them of five probable starters, Derry, who beat UCD 7-1 at the Brandywell in April, started on the front foot.
Left-winger Matty Smith had a dangerous cross cleared before skipper Patrick McEleney went down inside the area claiming a penalty, which wasn’t given, all inside the opening 90 seconds.
But it was UCD who registered the first real chance of the game on eight minutes.
Derry midfielder Patching’s appeals for a free kick weren’t entertained as College burst forward. Dylan Duffy cut in from the left on a surging run with his well struck low drive well saved down to his right by Brian Maher.
While Derry continued to enjoy much of the possession, it was Maher who was worked again on 17 minutes from Mark Dignam’s curling effort.
It was just past the half hour before Derry had their first scent of goal, left-back Ciaran Coll’s powerful header from a Patching corner flashing past a post.
But the visitors remained vulnerable at the back as they coughed up another chance to the Students inside a minute.
The lively Duffy outmuscled Cameron McJannet to set up Sean Brennan whose hurried shot from close in ballooned over the top, much to Derry’s relief.
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