Leeds Carnegie enjoyed a double boost following their slender 10-6 win at Bucuresti Oaks to go top of Pool One of the Amlin Challenge Cup.
The Guinness Premiership side were also buoyed by Rugby Parma's 14-9 win over group rivals Bourgoin to give them breathing space at the summit.
Number eight Rhys Oakley was the match-winner with a 71st minute try in the Romanian capital.
The Wales international pounced to hand head coach Neil Back a crucial win in the landmark 2,000 European tie.
Leeds fell behind in the 13th minute following full-back Florin Vlaicu's penalty before the visitors levelled the scores three minutes later.
Fellow Welshman Jason Strange hammered home a penalty as neither side could break the deadlock and cross the try-line in the opening period.
Bucuresti regained the lead for the second time, just two minutes after the interval through the boot of Vlaicu with a fine drop goal.
But Oakley dragged Leeds over the line with the vital score with nine minutes remaining and Strange's conversion sealed victory.
There was bad news for English rivals Worcester Warriors who slumped to a narrow 26-21 home defeat to Connacht.
Tom Wood and Willie Walker crossed in either half for the hosts but it was not enough for Mike Ruddock's men. Ireland fly-half Ian Keatley scored 16 points including a 20th minute strike at Sixways.
And the visitors added further tries through Fionn Carr and Sean Cronin.Keatley opened the scoring in the eight minute but Connacht were pegged back through Walker's first penalty.
Worcester seized the initiative and crossed for the first try in the 13th minute through flanker Wood. Walker converted and the home side had gained a commanding 10-3 lead.
But Connacht hit back and reduced the deficit to two points by an inspired finish by fly-half Keatley who surged over. Walker added a second penalty but the Irish province never lost the lead after wing Carr scored a second try for Michael Bradley's outfit on the half hour.
Keatley and Walker exchanged further penalties but hooker Cronin powered over and despite Walker's late score, Connacht held on.
In Newcastle's group, Albi recorded their first win in the competition with a 35-16 away win at Petrarca.
