Derry City preserved their Premier Division status following this instantly forgettable victory over lowly Kilkenny City at the Brandywell last night.
The home-side may have dominated from the first whistle but they failed dismally to convert that advantage into goals - a problem they have faced throughout the current season.
Indeed Kevin Mahon's side had to wait until the 80th minute to score what proved a valuable winner.
Eddie McCallion's corner was floated into the danger area and Derry's tiring central defender Darren Kelly rose majestically to head the ball powerfully home.
However, Kilkenny, who arrived at the northern venue with just 13 players and without their manager, Billy Walsh, refused to give up and they really should have equalised with five minutes remaining.
The ball was played into the path of striker Mick O'Byrne but his terrible first touch allowed Derry goalkeeper Russell Payne to gather the ball and the chance was lost.
DERRY CITY: Payne; McCallion, Hargan, Hutton, Kelly, Doherty, McLaughlin, McGlynn, Parkhouse, Devlin, Harkin. Subs: McCaul for Parkhouse, McCready for McLaughlin (both 59 mins), Quigley for McGlynn (75 mins).
KILKENNY CITY: Hobbart; Brennan, Murphy, Purdy, Mulcahy, O'Halon, Welch, Johnston, Comerford, O'Byrne, Jackson.
Referee: E Barr (Dublin)
Shelbourne's Pat Fenlon and Bohemians duo Simon Webb and Stephen Caffrey received one-match bans that will take effect five days prior to the end of the Premier Division season. Shamrock Rovers top scorer Sean Francis has received a two-match ban imposed after his recent sending off in Galway.
