Bohemians strengthened their lead at the top of the Premier Division with a 1-0 triumph over Derry City on Sunday.

 

Jason Byrne netted his 16th league goal of the season when he pounced inside the opposition's box on 19 minutes to blast his side in front.

 

The Gypsies would have been forgiven if their minds were fixed on the upcoming Uefa Champions League second leg qualifier against Red Bull Salzburg, but they were professional in how they went about their job in Dalymount Park.

 

Anthony Murphy was welcomed back into the starting eleven and he had a big impact in how Pat Fenlon's side played as they kept the pressure on Derry throughout the match.

 

In fact it was Murphy who set up Byrne for the game's only goal when he drifted into space before picking out his team-mate, who was never going to miss from such close range.

 

Kevin Deery tried to drag The Candystripes back into it with two fine efforts that tested the alertness of Bohs keeper Brian Murphy, but the visitors offered little else in attack.

 

It was clear from early on in this encounter that the hosts were going to come out on top as they bossed the midfield, looked comfortable in defence, and were lively up front with Byrne joined by youngster Paddy Madden.

 

Both of the striker's had chances to increase their team's lead, but Gerard Doherty denied Madden, while Ger O'Brien cleared off the line as Byrne attempted to get his second of the game.

 

Despite making three changes early on, Derry never found their rhythm and ultimately came out on the losing side in this contest as they slipped ten points behind Bohs in the title race.

 

Bohemians: B. Murphy, Rossiter, Shelley, Oman, Powell, A. Murphy (Fenn 90), Keegan, Deegan, Brennan (Ndo 75), J. Byrne (Crowe 82), Madden.

 

Derry City: Doherty, McCallion, O'Brien, Hutton, Gray (McClean, 40), McGlynn, Molloy, Higgins (Stewart HT), Deery, Farren, McManus (Morrow HT).

 

Referee: Mr. Alan Kelly