THERE was a lack of competitive edge to the Dr McKenna Cup first round game at Cootehill yesterday with Cavan beating Derry 0-14 to 0-12.

The scoreline of 0-11 to 0-2 in Cavan's favour at half time was indicative of the manner in which Derry approached the game. They fielded a strong team, but their minds seemed much more focused on their National league quarter final in two weeks' time.

Cavan enjoyed total dominance with Fintan Cahill, Ronan Carolan and Adrian Lambe their top scorers.

Derry's lone sub, Joe Cassidy, was drafted into the attack at the start of the second half and three quick points, two from Cassidy and one from Ruairi Boylan boosted Derry's efforts. Five more points from Joe Brolly brought Derry closer still, but Cavan held out for a place in the semi finals.

A late flourish by Fermanagh helped them to salvage a draw with the home side at 0-10 each in their exciting semi final at the Athletic Grounds, Armagh, yesterday.

In a match garnished with skill and the occasional dash of flair, Fermanagh raced in to a 0-3 to 0-0 lead in the opening five minutes, then allowed Armagh back into the picture and were subsequently restricted to a 0-8 to 0-7 interval advantage, five of their points coming from Rory Gallagher.

Armagh took a stranglehold on the match in the third quarter and gained a lead which they held until the concluding stages, when Fermanagh bounced back.

A Rory Gallagher free cut the deficit to a point and with only a matter of seconds remaining, left half back Justin Gilheaney grabbed the equaliser.