Derby County 2-0 Charlton Athletic

Jesse Lingard's goal was his first for Derby

Derby County maintained their two-point lead at the top of the Championship with a 2-0 win over Charlton.

The Rams took the lead after nine minutes when Jeff Hendrick turned in Darren Bent's cross from close range.

Hendrick turned provider as Derby doubled their advantage soon after, with Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard converting his through ball for his first Derby goal.

Charlton had won their last two games but could not muster a fightback.

Derby's win takes them five points clear of third place, strengthening their grip on an automatic promotion place.

Steve McClaren's side could have enjoyed a more comfortable victory, but Hendrick's shot from the edge of the area in first-half stoppage time rattled the crossbar.

Charlton went closest when Lee Grant tipped over Johann Berg Gudmundsson's free-kick.

Derby are now unbeaten in their last seven Championship matches.

Derby manager Steve McClaren: "In certain spells we looked excellent but what also impressed me was we looked solid at the back. I think we are a good team with the ball but tonight we looked a good team without the ball.

"We've still got a lot to do but our midfield is very strong, our bench is good, we can make changes and our loan signings have come in and done well. So I hope we haven't seen the best of this team, I think that's still to come and today I think they showed a maturity and kept in control."

Charlton manager Guy Luzon: "I think Derby totally deserved to win and played very well, especially in the first 30 minutes but we were not organised well and left gaps between the lines and they used it well.

"After 30 minutes we came back and organised better but it's not enough against a team like Derby, with their quality. You have to concentrate from the first minute and not for 60 or 55 minutes. They deserve to be in the Premier League and I think they are the best team in this league."