Derby remain strong at home with win over Charlton

Derby strengthened their League One play-off bid with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Charlton at Pride Park.

A David McGoldrick penalty and a header from central defender Eiran Cashin ensured Derby remained unbeaten at home in the league since early October.

Charlton’s bid for a fourth consecutive away league win suffered a setback when they conceded in the ninth minute.

Conor Hourihane’s shot was handled by Michael Hector and McGoldrick coolly dispatched the spot-kick.

Rams goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith did well to close down Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, but Derby threatened whenever they went forward and Hourihane had a low shot saved by Ashley Maynard-Brewer in the 33rd minute.

McGoldrick was denied a second in first half added time when Maynard-Brewer made a good save low to his right but Wildsmith had to react sharply to keep out a Scott Fraser drive in the 49th minute.

But Derby gave themselves breathing space in the 69th minute when Hourihane’s free-kick from wide on the left was headed in by Cashin from eight yards.