Derby looked very much like champions in waiting on Tuesday evening as they beat Charlton Athletic 2-0.

It took the Rams little more than a quarter-of-an-hour to open up a two goal lead and effectively end the game as a contest.

Jordan Cousins missed his first game of the season and his place alongside Yoni Buyens was surprisingly given to Lawrie Wilson.

Wilson gave way to newcomer, Alou Diarra, at the interval. The Frenchman was assured and read the game well, albeit Steve McClaren’s side had changed down to second gear by then.

Derby play with pace and power the Addicks had no answer to the hosts’ early onslaught.

The Rams took the lead after just nine minutes. Will Hughes swept the ball out to Darren Bent on the right. Bent cut in along the byline and pulled the ball back for Jeff Hendrick to slide it home.

Eight minutes later it was 2-0. A slick passing move ended with Jesse Lingard racing onto the ball and firing it into the bottom left hand corner of Stephen Henderson’s goal.

The storm abated as Derby were content to manage the game. Charlton had a good ten minute spell just before the break, with Chris Solly going close following a break by Tal Ben Haim.

Johann Gudmundsson’s free-kick following a foul on Tony Watt also forced Lee Grant into action.

But the half ended with the Rams back in the ascendency and Hendrick nearly notched a second when he rattled the crossbar from distance at the death.

The second half was a low key affair with Derby happy to see the game out and the Addicks rarely threatened.

It was a disappointing evening for Guy Luzon but he will not face a better side all season.

Charlton: Henderson; Solly, Ben Haim, Johnson, Fox; Gudmundsson, Wilson (Diarra 46), Buyens, Bulot (Eagles 68); Vetokele, Watt (Harriott 71).

Subs (not used): Dmitrović, Gomez, Bikey, Lepoint.

Derby County: Grant; Christie, Keogh, Shotton, Forsyth; Ince, Thorne (Mascarell 71), Hendrick, Hughes (Bryson 76),Lingard (Dawkins 69); Bent.

Subs (not used): Roos, Buxton, Ward, Thomas.

Goals: Hendrick 9, Lingard 17.

Referee: David Coote (Nottinghamshire).

Attn: 28,277 (311 Charlton).