Donegal fell to their third defeat in a row when they were beaten by Derry in the McKenna Cup.
The Tir Conaill men were already out of the reckoning after defeats by UUJ and Cavan but wanted to salvage some pride coming into this game.
In what was an overall sloppy game Donegal at MacCumhaill Park, the home side never got into their stride and eventually were beaten by two points on a scoreline of 0-9 to 1-8.
Donegal only scored two points in the second half which will be of concern to Jim McGuinness albeit without powerhouse and captain Michael Murphy.
Colm Finnegan got 1-3 for Derry but Donegal never had a similar player to snatch the scores.
McGuinness tried a number of players and will be happy that he has had the opportunity to do so.
However going into the National Football League in two weeks time against Down, the Donegal team should have a very different look to it.