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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ciaran Meenagh’s side would go over 18 minutes without a score before Sean Kearney stopped the rot.
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.
Donegal would keep possession, before Muldoon fisted over a second point and Conor McCluskey had a goal chance saved by Mulraney.
Substitutes McHugh and Conor McCahill scored late points before Ryan Mullholland scored a late consolation goal for Derry.
