They have not had much to cheer about this season, but Dungannon Swifts fans were celebrating after a fully deserved victory over Portadown.
A vastly improved team display secured three crucial points and, of equal significance for supporters, the bragging rights in Mid-Ulster.
This fixture has normally been dominated by the Ports but a Johnny Topley header and an own-goal from Chris Ramsey turned the recent form book on its head.
After two straight defeats, compounded by dismal performances, Darren Murphy had demanded a big response – and he got it.
Ryan Harpur was the driving force in a dominant display which saw Dungannon control the match from first whistle to last.
Portadown had lost just once in their previous 14 visits to Stangmore Park but were shut out time and again by Dungannon’s defence, with Adam McMinn particularly impressive.
For Dungannon, the slow march to survival continues.
This was three points they would have hoped for rather than expected.
But with Lisburn Distillery and Donegal Celtic both winning on Saturday, the result was critical, especially with a tough run of matches on the road before their next home fixture on March 16.
Just like the last two games Dungannon made a bright start and took a first half lead, however, this time they managed to stay in front.
Indeed they should have gone ahead inside the first 60 seconds.
Cameron Grieve’s strike was blocked on the line, Matt Hazley was similarly thwarted before the ball fell to Harpur, but his back-heel was saved.
Murphy stood shaking his head on the touchline, unable to fathom how Swifts hadn’t scored.
Later in the half James Costello went close with a thumping 25-yard effort but it failed to catch out David Miskelly, who parried the ball away from danger.
However, he was helpless to stop Dungannon taking a 28th minute lead via Topley, who had been paired alongside Costello in attack.
It began when Andrew Burns lost possession just outside the box. The danger was cleared but Michael McKerr, operating at right-back, pumped the ball back in for the midfielder to head home.
Portadown were without several key players, including star striker Gary Twigg, and their absence was sorely felt as they struggled to create chances.
Their main threat came from set-pieces. Kevin Braniff got two free-kicks on target but both were saved by goalkeeper Jonny Curran.
The Ports’ best chance came late in the half. Darren Murray timed his run perfectly to meet an Aaron Burns pass but sent his header just over.
Portadown went close again after the restart as Braniff put an effort wide following a cross from Neil McCafferty.
Yet they continued to labour and, with 58 minutes played, McFall brought on Joe McNeill in a bid to inject more attacking dynamism into his side.
However, his plans were in tatters just seconds later as Ramsey gifted Dungannon a second. 
Good play between Ryan O’Neill and McKerr down the right flank ended in a probing cross which the hapless defender turned into his own net.
The Ports’ best chance of a goal came in added time. Richard Lecky’s effort crashed off the crossbar with Curran thwarting Braniff on the follow-up.
DGN SWIFTS: Curran, McMinn, Hazley, McKerr, Hutchinson, Grieve, Topley (Cahoon, 50), Harpur, Friars, O’Neill, Costello
Subs not used: Montgomery, PJ Lavery, C Lavery, Gawley
PORTADOWN: Miskelly, Mackle, Redman, Ramsey, Breen (Patton, 77), Aaron Burns, Murray, Braniff, Mouncey (McNeill, 58), Andrew Burns (Lecky, 64), McCafferty
Subs not used: McArdle, Rooney
Referee: Colin Burns (Newtownabbey)