\n<\/p>\n
There was little to suggest that January football doesn’t matter, as two strong sides played out a feisty and entertaining encounter in turgid conditions.<\/p>\n
Derry could have rattled the net with the very first play of the game, Conor Glass, who was making his Dr McKenna Cup debut claimed the throw-in, starting a move that ended with Paul Cassidy having his effort saved by Gavin Mulraney.<\/p>\n
Donegal could have had a goal of their own soon after, Turlough Carr had his shot bravely saved by Shea McGuckin, who was making his senior inter-county debut.<\/p>\n
It was the home side who played with the advantage of the wind in the first half and three points from both Niall Loughlin and Lachlan Murray had Derry 0-10 to 0-7 in front at half-time.<\/p>\n
Michael Langan and O Baoill led the Donegal fight on the scoreboard, the latter rattling the crossbar going for goal in the dying stages of the half.<\/p>\n
McGuinness introduced Finbarr Roarty, Hugh McFadden and Ryan McHugh at half-time, which meant the Tir Chonaill had 12 players that played in the All-Ireland final defeat to Kerry on the field.<\/p>\n
Donegal upped the intensity and after Conor McAteer hit the first score of the half, the visitors registered 1-7 without reply to move from four behind to six ahead.<\/p>\n
That spell included a goal from O Baoill, who raced through to score after latching onto a loose McGuckin kick-out, while Mulraney also came forward to fire over a two-point free.<\/p>\n
Ciaran Meenagh’s side would go over 18 minutes without a score before Sean Kearney stopped the rot.<\/p>\n
Kevin Muldoon and Conor Doherty traded scores, before three quickfire points from Kearney, Matthew Downey, and another from Doherty, put two between the sides heading into injury time.<\/p>\n
Donegal would keep possession, before Muldoon fisted over a second point and Conor McCluskey had a goal chance saved by Mulraney.<\/p>\n
Substitutes McHugh and Conor McCahill scored late points before Ryan Mullholland scored a late consolation goal for Derry.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n