THE final scoreline of Donegal 2-16 to Fermanagh’s 1-12 is not a true reflection on just how this hard- fought encounter evolved at a freezing Brewster Park.

For Donegal were just about holding on to a three- point lead at 0-15 to 0-12 when a mix up in the Fermanagh defence resulted in a scrambled goal for burly substitute Josh Cronolly McGee in the 66th minute.

His second goal was academic in the 70th minute while Luca McCusker fittingly had the last say for Fermanagh with a late goal.

Despite the defeat Baldwin took quite a few positives from the game.

“I suppose we probably gave Donegal a wee bit too much respect at the start and they got a few quick early scores.

“But in fairness that did not happen in our last two wins over Cavan and QUB when we put up big scores.

“The panel was really stretched tonight, and we have five or six players to come back, including Brian Teehan, Francie McBrien and Sean Corrigan.”

But Baldwin said that while the start was not what they wanted, he was well impressed with the way Fermanagh came back in the middle third of the game.

“That was good, and we got it down to two points at one stage.

“There were a few decisions that did not go our way but I was relatively pleased but there is still a serious amount of work to be done.”

When asked about the exceptional contribution of Luca McCusker, he described him as a “phenomenal player”.

“The secret about Luca is that he works so hard at his game.

“So, we need everybody to follow that example and to work hard at their game as well.

“We have had a few injuries, and we are after having three games in seven days on heavy pitches which is far from ideal.

“When you have a small squad that tends to take its toll.

“But fair play to Donegal they got their two goals which may have flattered them a bit at the end.

“But overall I am relatively pleased with what we have got out of this competition which was three competitive games which is very good at this time of the year.

“We push on for the League and our target is to get back into Division 3A and give the Lory Meagher Cup a real rattle as we have played in the higher Nickey Rackard Cup for the past few seasons and performed well so hopefully that experience will stand to us this year.

“This was a good test tonight and I think we gave Donegal a bit of a fright.

“There has never been too much between us in the last few times that we met.

“We had a few goal chances but did not convert them but there are miles put into the legs tonight and a few young lads got blooded which is important.

“We have four League games now and we have four weeks to prepare for Leitrim which will be a tough derby match.

“So relatively pleased but lots more to do,” concluded Baldwin.