Charlton did not get the early Christmas present they craved as the Rams notched a goal in each half to extend The Addicks winless streak to four games.

Chris Powell opted to match Derby’s 4-5-1 formation for the game at The Valley. Danny Green and Bradley Pritchard came in for suspended skipper, Johnnie Jackson, and Simon Church who dropped to the bench.

Charlton started brightly with efforts from Morrison and Stephens but, not for the first time, they fell behind and could not salvage the game.

Just past the half-hour mark, Jamie Ward’s deflected free-kick put the visitors ahead and the Addicks lost impetus.

The hosts were on the front foot again after the break and came desperately close to levelling after 47 minutes. A peach of a cross from Wilson found its way to Stephens, whose left foot effort went just past the post.

Derby nearly doubled their advantage after an hour. Rhoys Wiggins was robbed and the ball was pulled back from the byline for Ward to rattle the crossbar.

Charlton created another good chance after 72 minutes when Yann Kermorgant’s left-wing cross was glanced wide by Michael Morrison.

It was Morrison’s poor clearance that allowed Craig Bryson to dink the ball over Ben Alnwick to seal the win for the Rams three minutes from the end..

Charlton desperately need to turn their fortunes around or they will face an anxious New Year.

Charlton: Alnwick; Wilson (Sordell 85),  Morrison, Dervite, Wiggins; Green (Harriott 65), Cousins, Pritchard (Church 65), Stephens,  Stewart; Kermorgant.

Subs (not used): Pope, Evina,Wood, Solly.

Booked: Stephens 54 (dissent), Kermorgant 80 (dissent).

Derby: Grant; Wisdom,  Keogh, Buxton, Forsyth; Eustace, Bryson, Hendrick, Ward (Keane 88), Dawkins (Russell 74), Martin (Sammon 85).

Subs (not used): Legzdins, Bennett, Cisse, Davies.

Booked: Keogh 20 (foul).

Goals: Ward 32, Bryson 87.

Referee: Andy Davies (Hampshire).