Derby County boss needed second goal to feel more relaxed about win over Charlton Athletic

Derby County manager Paul Warne felt his side could have run out bigger winners in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Charlton Athletic.

David McGoldrick put them ahead from the penalty spot after Michael Hector was penalised for handball in the ninth minute.

Eiran Cashin gave the promotion-chasing Rams a two-goal cushion after emphatically heading home Conor Hourihane’s free-kick in the 69th minute.

Warne told BBC’s Rams Daily: “We were pretty comprehensive. It was a very good display. We were more deserving of a 2-0 but while it’s 1-0 then it is always edgy. Charlton have got really good threats and good players. Until you get the second goal you don’t feel comfortable.

“Our press was really good, a lot of energy. We played Tuesday night, I know it was the same for Charlton, but to drive and run to get the ball back when you haven’t got it is harder than when you’ve got the ball at your feet. We suffocated their play. My only criticism was that we let them off the hook a few times in the final third.

“We have a small squad, so we need to keep everyone fit and healthy. I wanted to make changes as soon as I could but I needed that second goal.

“Charlton came here and wanted to play and win – have a go. It was a much harder game against Lincoln because they sat in and made it more difficult, especially with them getting the first goal.

“Harvey (White) gave us a bit of balance. He’s a quarter-back, so he can spray the ball around. I asked him to play a bit risk-free and let the peg go. He had an influence. Tom Barkhuizen was a massive threat but just blew up a bit, really. To put Dobs (Lewis Dobbin) on is a great sub for us.

“Today we scored off a set-piece, which is an absolute joy – we have a great delivery but seem to have players who don’t like heading it, which is a problem. Today for Cash to smash one with his spade head is good news, isn’t it?

“I understand what football is like. You don’t win today and all of a sudden it’s a crisis. It’s not a crisis. The lads played okay at Wycombe and played pretty well Tuesday night but didn’t get what they deserved. We got what we deserved today. In fact we probably deserved more goals than we actually got but it’s nice to get a clean sheet for Joe (Wildsmith) and get any picture on the win wall, because that’s been empty for a week.”