Finn Harps 0 Derry City 1Derry City's charge towards the Premier Division title remains on track after they snatched a last-gasp win at Finn Park last night.
Killian Brennan latched on to a Stephen O'Flynn cross to bag the three points in the 88th minute.
The goal sparked off a pitch invasion from some visiting fans as Harps were left gutted and stuck to the bottom of the table.
In a pulsating encounter Derry City captain Peter Hutton missed two penalties and Derry also had Barry Molloy sent off.
Incredibly, Harps have beaten their great rivals only five times in almost 50 games since Derry joined the League of Ireland 20 years ago.
Although the visitors started well, it was Harps who finished a lively first half on a high.
City carved out a number of chances before being awarded their first penalty on 20 minutes after Harps goalkeeper Gavin Cullen was adjudged to have taken down Mark Farren. Cullen, however, saved Hutton's kick.
City then had Molloy, who had been booked earlier, sent off after a challenge with Michael Funston on 37 minutes.
A minute later City got a second penalty award after Declan Boyle was penalised for his challenge on Farren.
Hutton stepped up but fired wide.
The second half was delayed after Derry fans moved into part of the ground that was closed and it took nearly 10 minutes to resolve the matter.
City, unbeaten in their previous 23 outings, had already beaten Harps twice this season, 2-0 at Finn Park and 3-2 at the Brandywell.
One of Derry manager Stephen Kenny's few concerns in recent weeks must have been the scarcity of clean sheets. In their previous 13 games, they had only one to boast - but this was compensated for by the fact they had 10 wins and three draws in this time.
But they kept Harps at bay and recorded a rare 1-0 win.
The second half was less dramatic with clear chances at a premium, but City will feel they should have been awarded a third penalty when Ciarán Martyn was taken down by Boyle late on.
Harps' best chance fell to Funston who had a great shot just wide on 79 minutes.
But much to the delight of the Derry fans in the 3,500 attendance - the best of the season in Ballybofey - substitute Flynn, who scored the winner last week, provided the cross for Brennan to connect with as he came storming into the box.
In the closing seconds Shane Bradley was inches away from connecting with a cross inside the six-yard box but Harps were unable to salvage a point.
This result leaves Harps still in real danger of the drop, while City march on.
FINN HARPS: Cullen; Asokuh, Capper, Boyle, Bradley, Funston, McGowan, McGrenaghan, Lauchlin, McHugh, Gorman. Sub: Breen for McGrenaghan (72 mins)
DERRY CITY: Forde; Hargan, Hutton, Delaney, Martyn, Beckett, Brennan, McGlynn, Deery, Molloy, Farren. Subs: McCallion and McCourt for Beckett and Delaney (both 68 mins), O'Flynn for Farren (80 mins).
Referee: Declan Hanney (Dublin).
