The midlanders hit the front thanks to Dean Ebbe's 11th league goal of the season.
Athlone Town have moved to second in the League of Ireland First Division table after victory over UCD last night.
The midlanders took the lead in the first half thanks to a Dean Ebbe penalty, Kyle Robinson doubled that lead on his debut when Athlone were awarded a second penalty midway through the second period.
Dario Castelo's side were made sweat in the closing stages however after Nial Holohan struck for the students in the 82nd minute.
Town held out to move to second in table, their next outing is a midlands derby against Longford next week.
Elsewhere, Cork City continued their march towards automatic promotion to the Premier Division.
They were 3-1 winners away to Wexford.
Longford beat Bray 1-0, it was Finn Harps 1 Kerry 0, and Treaty United were beaten Cobh Ramblers by the same score.
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