Winger McCourt struck on 13 minutes, collecting Kevin McHugh's pass to ghost by a couple of defenders before giving goalkeeper Barry Murphy no chance with a low shot to the corner of the net.

Derry remained the better side and defender Darren Kelly headed against a post early in the second half as the home side continued to make chances.

But Rovers should have levelled on 70 minutes when Dave Cassidy and David O'Connor got in each others way as a gilt-edged chance was wasted.