Dr McKenna Cup: Down see off inexperienced Donegal

Down emerged as winners over an inexperienced Donegal side in the Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup encounter at Pairc Esler.

Liam Kerr and Conor Francis scored the goals for Down as the visitors gave debuts to nine players over the course of the 70 minutes.

Patrick McBrearty's 0-05 was added to by a goal from Daire Ó Baoill in positive aspects for Paddy Carr.

Down led 2-09 to 1-07 at the break but the second period was a much more tempered affair.

The winning-margin was seven points, 2-14 to 1-10.

The teams will meet in the Ulster Football Championship, again in Newry, on 23 April

Elsewhere Derry claimed victory over Fermanagh in their encounter at Brewster Park.

Rory Gallagher's men were ahead at half-time, 1-02 to 0-04, thanks to Odhran Lynch's goal.

The Oak Leafers improved in the second period as Shane McGuigan's 0-06, shared from play and placed balls, went a long way to securing an 0-11 to 1-04 success.

Oisin Brady scored seven points in a good outing for Cavan against Antrim in Portglenone

Martin Reilly and Brandon Boylan scored the goals in a seven-point win over the Saffrons, 2-10 to 0-09.

Antrim are out of the competition after this second defeat.