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.