Tyreece Campbell continued his strong start to the campaign, delivering an 80th‑minute strike that gave Charlton a 2-1 win against Derby County at The Valley. The triumph came on the back of a turbulent week for the Rams, whose prospective takeover by Saudi official Turki Alalshikh fell apart earlier in the week, casting a shadow over their recent form. Derby had taken the lead at the break through Sammie Szmodics, who had already found the net in the EFL Cup defeat to Lincoln.
The midfielder’s first‑half goal put the visitors ahead, but Charlton’s response was swift. Lloyd Jones, fresh from signing a new two‑year deal on the Friday before the match, rose to meet a cross and headed the ball level. The equaliser set the stage for Campbell, who later that evening produced a clinical finish with his weaker left foot, clinching all three points for Nathan Jones’ side. The opening exchanges saw Charlton begin positively.
Billy Koumetio missed a header from an early corner delivered by Sonny Carey, and Karlan Grant, marking his 100th appearance for the Addicks after re‑joining the club in the summer, struck a shot directly at Derby goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom. Grant’s effort, however, was followed by a mis‑kick from Carey in the 16th minute, allowing Derby a spell of possession that eventually yielded Szmodics’ goal. Derby’s early warning came when Szmodics connected with a low cross from Joe Ward, only for Charlton keeper Will Mannion to make a crucial save.
Minutes later, Szmodics found the net again, this time from inside the box after being set up by Morris, putting the visitors ahead. Charlton’s defense was tested throughout the first half; Danny McNamara’s shot forced a sliding block from Taylor, and Campbell’s attempt at the near post was denied by Zetterstrom’s leg‑save.
A contentious moment arose when Derby’s Sonny Carey went down after a challenge from Lewis Travis, but referee Ben Speedie declined to award a penalty despite Charlton’s protests. In the second half, Szmodics appeared to be hampered by a niggle suffered during the warm‑up and was forced to leave the field in the 54th minute. He was replaced by new signing Alex Mowatt, who entered the fray as Derby sought to preserve their lead.
Charlton, however, restored parity in the 61st minute when centre‑back and stand‑in captain Lloyd Jones rose above the defense to head Grant’s well‑timed cross into the net. The goal was a testament to Jones’s aerial prowess and his ability to time runs into dangerous areas.
Mannion, who had shown some nerves dealing with Derby’s deliveries, stretched fully to block a 20‑yard effort from Oscar Fraulo, sending the ball against his left upright. The match’s decisive moment arrived when Campbell, having been a constant threat on the wing, cut inside and unleashed a precise left‑footed shot that slipped past Zetterstrom, giving Charlton a 2-1 lead for the first time that afternoon.
The 22‑year‑old’s strike marked his second goal of the season, a notable improvement over the single tally he recorded in the previous campaign. Derby pressed for an equaliser in the added time, with eight minutes on the clock. Despite a cross from Max Johnston that Morris headed straight to Mannion, Charlton held firm, weathering the late surge and securing the win. Post‑match, Charlton manager Nathan Jones praised his side’s performance: "I’m really pleased – the result means everything and we’ve settled a number of new signings.
We got a captain’s goal, a header from a defender who gets into those positions all the time. We just want the outcomes from him. Last week he had a similar chance, hit the bar and then scored in the EFL Cup. We’re in advanced negotiations with him and hope to finalise that soon.
There are 45 games left. Last season we started well but injuries hit us hard; this season we have a squad that can cope better." Derby’s boss John Eustace expressed disappointment: "I’m really disappointed to lose.
I didn’t think there was much in the game. We limited Charlton to few chances, so the two goals we conceded were sloppy defensively.
We need to improve our defending of crosses and maintain structure. The team is still finding its rhythm; there are some tired legs, but Craig Forsyth at 37 is doing a terrific job. The effort and attitude of the group were sensational, as always.
Szmodics had a slight tweak in the warm‑up, so it was a big ask for him to start. He’s a top player at this level and took his goal well; we hope he isn’t out for long." Overall, the match highlighted Charlton’s resilience and the impact of their recent signings, while Derby will need to address defensive lapses and manage squad fatigue as the season progresses.
The victory also underscores the importance of late‑game composure, with Campbell’s decisive strike exemplifying the kind of clinical finishing that can turn tightly contested fixtures into valuable three points.