Emily Roberts’ header proved enough for Durham as they sealed victory at London City.
After a month without the game, the Wildcats registered an important win on the road as they enter the final straight of the campaign.
The game began at a frenetic pace as both sides looked to get forward.
Megan Borthwick did well to hold a corner ahead of Hannah Short before Lauren Briggs sent a rasping drive wide from the edge of the area at the other end.
But it was London City who had the first real spell of pressure of the afternoon, and twice came close to taking the lead.
First Liz Ejupi sent a dipping shot narrowly over from 20 yards before Kallie Balfour flashed an effort past the far post.
But having dealt well with the pressure from the hosts, Durham began to impose themselves on the game.
And a breakthrough came on 38 minutes – it owed much to good work from Danielle Brown on the right, whose fine cross was steered home by a cushioned Roberts header at the back post.
It could have been two before the break as well, with Shae Yanez tipping over a Beth Hepple half-volley before Ellie Christon also came close from distance.
But Durham had to seal with some questions from their hosts after the interval.
Chances, though, were still at a minimum, although Borthwick did have to come out to block Atlanta Primus as she looked to break through on goal.
From there on, the better chances fell to the Wildcats.
Holmes saw a volley held by the opposition stopper before Briggs twice saw effort from the edge of the area miss by a minimal distance.
Substitute Bridget Galloway was then only denied by a fine block after she battled her way through the backline and pulled off a shot.
At the other end, the Wildcats were indebted to a fine clearance off the line from Briggs as Nolan looked to head home from a corner – as London City enjoyed some late pressure.
Borthwick then made a good stop to deny Juliette Kemppi from close range – but otherwise the hosts saw out the three points in comfortable fashion.