Shelbourne recorded their first win of the season at the Brandywell yesterday and in the process presented Dermot Keely with his first victory as a manager at the northern venue.

Shelbourne were good value for their win after totally dominating the first half and should have had the game wrapped up by halftime. However, Tony Sheridan and Pat Scully squandered two glorious heading opportunities within the first 10 minutes, while Liam Kelly wasted another giltedged chance; the ball appearing to stick under his foot when in a one-on-one situation with Derry goalkeeper David Platt.

The goal that decided the game was well worth the wait. After Derry had won a corner, the ball was beaten out into the path of Stuart Gauld. His pass was intercepted and Shelbourne broke with devastating effect.

Heary sent Sheridan scampering down the right flank and when he returned a perfect pass Heary's superb right-foot strike screamed high into the net, giving Platt no chance.

A tactical switch by Derry boss Felix Healy at half-time, which saw him employ three central defenders and push an extra player into midfield, began to reap dividends for the home side and Derry were rewarded in the 63rd minute when referee John Stacey pointed to the penalty spot after Scully appeared to block a cross with his arm.

Stuart Gauld, however, failed to restore equality, Alan Gough diving superbly to his right to push the ball wide of his goal at the expense of a corner.

And hero Gough was back in action again a minute later when parrying a powerful Sean Hargan drive over his bye-line, having seen the ball very late.

The visitors, content to defend their slender advantage, were given the perfect opportunity to end the game as a contest with only five minutes remaining.

James Keddy broke from midfield but before the former Derry winger could get a shot on goal defender Darren Kelly brought him down and Stacey again had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Greg Costello, however, blazed the spot-kick over the crossbar and the Dubliners were forced to experience five nervous minutes before the final whistle.

Derry City - Platt; McCallion, Curran, Gauld, M Kelly; Hargan, Hutton, Doherty, Boyle; Coyle, McHugh. Subs: D Kelly for M Kelly and Gilmour for Boyle (both half-time).

Shelbourne - Gough: Costello, Scully, McCarthy, Geoghegan; Heary, Fitzgerald, Fenlon, Keddy; Sheridan, Kelly. Sub: Doyle for Kelly (53 mins).

Referee - J Stacey (Athlone).