Derry set up their second successive Allianz NFL Division One final clash with Kerry with a four-point win over Donegal at Maghera.
There was nothing between the sides in the first half, with Derry narrowly leading by 0-06 to 0-05 at the break.
Michael Doherty’s frees kept the visitors in it in the second half and they almost goaled late on but Derry held firm as Dublin's win over Westmeath ensured Donegal will compete in Division Two next year.
Derry came into the game knowing that nothing less than a win would do if they were to claim a top-two spot. However, they also needed Galway to lose in Tralee and Kerry did them a favour in that respect by beating the Tribesmen 2-15 to 1-11.
The Kingdom won't be doling out any favours in the final, however, as they will be looking to atone for their loss to the Oak Leafers in the 2008 decider.
Derry might not have had Paddy Bradley in their side, but Mark Lynch’s brilliant display compensated for the Glenullin clubman’s absence.
Donegal's veteran forward Brian Roper hit two excellent points in the first half, but it was Derry who led by the minimum at the break, with Eoin Bradley, Enda Lynn and livewire Lynch all getting on the scoresheet.
Two Jamie Kielt points and a fine Lynch free and a successful foray forward from half-back Brian Óg McAlary had Derry 0-10 to 0-06 to the good after the restart.
Donegal manager John Joe Doherty introduced Brendan Devenney, who recently decided to come out of his premature retirement, to try and salvage something from the game and the St Eunan's man quickly showed he still has plenty to offer at this level.
However, Derry boss Damian Cassidy wasted no time in counteracting the move by sending on veteran defender Sean Marty Lockhart to limit Devenney's influence.
Derry were in control for most of the game but they almost conceded a goal in the closing stages when a high ball in from Donegal's Christy Toye bounced back off the frame of the goal before going over the bar with the help of a touch from his team-mate Brendan Boyle.
As that chance went a-begging so did the Tir Chonaill men's hopes of Division One survival.
