Both keepers were tested in the early minutes as Gharib Hafez blocked Ahmed Samir Farag's long range drive and Mohamed Sobhi denied Ahmed Abdullah's effort.

Just before the break, Arko controlled the ball and struck from close range to break the deadlock.

Gaish got back on defense to contain the Dervishes attack and played on counters. They could have doubled the lead but Hossam Abdul-Aal's free kick bounced back from the woodwork.

The result leaves Gaish with 44 points while Ismaili drop to fourth place with 41 points.

Earlier in the day four other matches took place in the battle for survival.

Tersana snatched a crucial 2-1 win over Ghazl Al-Mahalla that lift them to 12th place with 25 points.

Suez Cement were just two minutes away from grabbing three precious points against Petrojet but a well-placed penalty from Hussein Ali cancelled Ahmed Omran's 62nd minute opener.

The result leaves the hosts at the bottom of the table with only 21 points and a slim chance of remaining in the top flight.

Arab Contractors where held to a 2-2 draw by a brave Aluminium side while Ittihad failed to beat ENPPI 0-0 in front of a huge crowd in Alexandria.