Armagh's Enda McNulty challenges Enda Muldoon of Derry

Derry were a goal and two points up early on with Sean Leo McGoldrick tucking away a fourth-minute goal.

Armagh's Stefan Forker missed a penalty but he landed two frees to cut Derry's lead to 1-4 to 0-5 at half-time.

Brian Mallon scored Armagh's only point of the second half with McGoldrick getting another goal for Derry.

Oak Leaf forward Enda Lynn won the man of the match award.

Armagh manager McDonnell said it was disappointing to be beaten so comprehensively but stressed he was using the McKenna cup to assess emerging players.

"You have to look at players to see what they can bring to the table," he said.

"This competition gives us the opportunity to make these assessments."

Derry manager Paddy Crozier was satisfied with his team's display.

"It was a solid enough performance, we created plenty of chances," he said.

"For the last couple of years we have not won our first match in the McKenna so it was nice.

"We decided we were going to use the McKenna to bring in new faces and they acquitted themselves well.

"We want to see if we can bring players through to National League football with a bigger eye on the Championship in the summer."