Derry City leapfrogged over Bohemians and into second spot in the Premier Division table following this superb victory over the reigning champions at the Brandywell last night.

The goal which decided this affair was netted seven minutes from time by Derry City's English recruit Jamie Hughes.

Following a throw-in on the left in the 87th minute, the Bohemians defence failed to deal with the danger and when the ball broke to Hughes he superbly curled it around Wayne Russell from 18 yards.

Up until that point very few clear-cut chances had been created with the Dublin club dominating the first half with the strong breeze at their backs.

And while the home defence performed particularly well during that period, Derry can thank the brilliance of their American goalkeeper Russell Payne, who dealt capably with everything that came his way.

Bohemians could have silenced the attendance of 4,000 in the 90th minute when substitute Gary O'Neill was denied by Payne who pulled off a magnificent save to preserve the home side's unbeaten record at the Brandywell.

Finn Harps manager Jonathan Speak has moved swiftly to sort out his goalkeeping problems by signing former Derry 'keeper John Connolly from Irish League side Glenavon. Speak was left with no goalkeeping cover after recent signing Tony Blake dislocated his shoulder on his debut against Cobh Ramblers last Sunday.

DERRY CITY: Payne, E McCallion, Kelly, McLoughlin, Hargan, T McCallion, McGlynn, Doherty, Moran, Coyle, Hughes. Subs: McCready for Moran 70 mins. Beckett for T McCallion 80 mins. Phillips for McGlynn 87 mins.

BOHEMIANS: Russell, O'Connor, Shevlin, Caffrey, Hill, Byrne, Hunt, Harkin, Morrison, Crowe, Molloy. Subs: Fitzpatrick for Morrison 72 mins. O'Neill for Byrne 87 mins.

Referee: John Stacey (Westmeath).