Peter Thompson and Ken Oman battle for the ball

Mark Farren put Derry ahead with a left foot tap-in from a Pat McCourt cross on 14 minutes but Mark Dickson equalised with a glancing header on 20 minutes.

Darren Kelly handled the ball in the area after 44 minutes and Oran Kearney rolled home the resultant penalty.

Mark Dickson and Peter Thompson had second half chances and Kris Lindsay was sent-off for two yellows on 79.

Thomas Stewart shot wide for the Blues with the first chance of the game before Farren's opener and then Dickson headed in from a corner.

Kevin Deery was off target with an effort on 37 minutes but Kearney's spot-kick before the break proved to be the winner.

Dickson was just over the top with a shot after the interval and Jennings produced a fine fingertip save to deny Thompson's stinging shot on the hour mark.

Linfield were reduced to ten men after Lindsay received his second caution for a rash tackle but held on for the victory.