Derry City 1

Shamrock Rovers 0

Paul Hegarty cut a very happy figure following this slender victory at the Brandywell last night.

The new Derry City boss, appointed as Peter Hutton’s replacement on Tuesday, will have been relieved to see his “Candystripes” move two points clear of the relegation zone in his first game in charge.

In was proved a closely contested affair, Derry’s cause was certainly not helped with the 34th minutes loss of talisman, Patrick McEleney, with a leg injury.

However, with both teams battling throughout the proceedings the game was decided following a corner in the 74th minute.

Mark Timlin floated the ball into the danger area and when defender, Dean Jarvis, rose at the back post his downward header gave keeper, Barry Murphy no chance.

Rovers started well with Brandon Meile having been presented with two clear-cut chances during the opening 10 minutes but Derry keeper, Ger Doherty, grew in confidence to put in a superb shift on the night.

Foillowing a scoreless first half, the home side enjoyed a decent spell of possession with Mark Timlin's shot taking a deflection for a corner before Damien Duff entered the fray in the 56th minute.

And 10 minutes later minutes later Meile played Duff through in a one-on-one with Doherty, the Derry keeper making a vital save with his leg.

Rover piled on the pressure as the clock ticked down, Derry successfully holding out to record what may well prove a significant victory.