Dr McKenna Cup: Donegal take on Monaghan in Saturday’s decider

There was no suggestion that football in January was irrelevant, as two powerful teams fought out a fierce and entertaining encounter in difficult conditions.

Derry could have been on the scoresheet from the first play of the match, as Connor Glass, making his Dr McKenna Cup debut, curled in a throw-in, starting a move that ended with Paul Cassidy’s effort being saved by Gavin Mulraney.

Donegal could have scored a goal of their own soon after, as Turlough Carr’s shot was bravely saved by Shea McGuckin, who was making his inter-county debut.

It was the home side who played with the wind advantage in the first half and three points from both Niall Loughlin and Lachlan Murray had Derry 0-10 to 0-7 at half-time.

Michael Langan and O Powell led Donegal’s battle on the scoreboard, with the latter rattling the crossbar heading towards goal in the closing stages of the half.

McGuinness introduced Finbarr Roarty, Hugh McFadden and Ryan McHugh in the first half, meaning Tir Chonaill had 12 players to play in the All-Ireland final against Kerry on the pitch.

Donegal turned up the intensity and after Conor McAteer scored the first score of the first half, the visitors scored 1-7 without reply to go from four to six ahead.

That period included a goal from O’Powell, who raced to score after latching on to a loose penalty from McGuckin, while Mulraney also stepped up to score two frees.

Ciaran Minagh’s side would go more than 18 minutes without a result before Sean Cairney stopped the rot.

Kevin Muldoon and Conor Doherty traded scores, before quick three-pointers from Kearney and Matthew Downie and another from Doherty put two points between the sides heading into stoppage time.

Donegal would retain possession, before Muldoon got their second point and Conor McCloskey had a goal chance saved by Mulraney.

Substitutes McHugh and Conor McCahill scored late points before Ryan Mulholland scored a late consolation goal for Derry.