Goal difference is all that’s keeping Charlton out of the Championship relegation zone after a 3-0 defeat at play-off hopefuls Derby County on Saturday.

The Addicks had kept clean sheets in four of their five games under Jose Riga but the defence were found wanting against a Rams side who still have an outside chance of automatic promotion.

Charlton went close to opening the scoring, with Lee Grant making a decent low save from Reza Ghoochannejhad.

But Derby used the ball well and went ahead on 18 minutes when on-loan Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford found Johnny Russell, who had time and space to beat Ben Hamer.

Steve McClaren’s men doubled their lead in the 38th minute, with Bamford taking advantage of a poor header by Addicks Johnnie Jackson that was intended for Hamer.

Callum Harriott and Joe Pigott – back from a loan spell at Gillingham – forced good saves from Grant, while Jonathan Obika had a shot blocked as Charlton looked for a way back.

But Derby made sure of the points with six minutes left when Chris Martin headed home Craig Bryson’s corner.

Addicks boss Jose Riga said: “We were not in the game at all in the first half and we had many difficulties.

“We were not able to play as we can and also made some defensive mistakes.

“In the second half we created chances but we must be more efficient at good moments in the game.”

Charlton play Leeds away on Tuesday night.