Derry City 1
Shamrock Rovers 0
DERRY City's Dean Jarvis was over the moon to score his first goal of the season and ensure they eased their relegation fears for another week.
The three points means that caretaker boss Paul Hegarty, who replaced Peter Hutton earlier this week, got off to a winning start.
"It was a massive three points and I was delighted to have got my first goal of the season," stated the left-back.
"It's always disappointing to see a man lose his job and I really enjoyed working with Peter Hutton, but we have to move on now and knuckle down as we still have another five cup finals."
The Candystripes had a half chance on two minutes but Ciaran O'Connor's strike was well held by Rovers' keeper Barry Murphy.
A fantastic pass by Michael Drennan caught out Ben McLaughlin, but the City full-back's blushes were saved as Brandon Miele's shot was diverted over the bar by an out-rushing Gerard Doherty.
Moments later Miele was in the thick of things again this time his low drive from the left-hand side of the box flashed just wide, after Gavin Brennan's set-up play created the opening.
The home side suffered an injury set-back just after the half hour mark when Patrick McEleney had to be replaced by Barry McNamee.
Right on the stroke of half-time, a slick move by the home side ended with Stephen Dooley's lay-off finding O'Connor, but his side-footed effort from 20 yards was saved by Murphy.
Damien Duff had a glorious chance to give Rovers the lead on 66 minutes after Miele's through ball sent the ex-Republic of Ireland man through one on one, but his shot was saved by Doherty.
Derry took the lead on 74 minutes when Mark Timlin's right-wing corner found an in-rushing Dean Jarvis, who made no mistake powerfully heading home from close range.
Derry City: Doherty, McLaughlin, McBride (McClean 81), Barry, Jarvis; Lowry, McCormack, McEleney (McNamee 35); Dooley, O'Connor (Quigley 68), Timlin.
Shamrock Rovers: Murphy, Madden (Marty Waters 82), Blanchard, O'Connor, Byrne (Kenna H-T), McCabe, Cregg, Drennan, Miele, Brennan, McCaffrey (Duff 56).
Referee: Mr Robert Harvey (Dublin).
