A late goal by Ivan Calero has given Derby County a narrow win against Charlton Athletic in tonight's League Cup clash at Pride Park.
The home side were quickest off the starting blocks, marauding forward as early as the third minute when Johnny Russell latched on to Ryan Shotton's back-heel, but the Scotsman's subsequent cross was cleared away.
Charlton threatened five minutes later when George Tucudean fired a low shot from 25 yards, but Rams goalkeeper Lee Grant was able to smother the ball with ease.
The Romanian striker then found space in the area before firing a volley, but Andy Keogh was well placed to block his effort.
Derby turned the screws midway through the first half as Leon Best forced Nick Pope into a reflex save, with Jeff Hendrick firing wide just a minute later.
The early stages of the second half saw the home side continue to dominate, with Russell and Craig Forsyth carving more chances for their team.
On the hour, on-loan Real Madrid Castilla striker Omar Mascarell lashed a free kick towards the Charlton area that caused havoc, but was ultimately claimed by Pope.
Just as it seemed that the game was going to peter out and go to extra time, Calero got into space and smashed the ball into the top corner in the 87th minute to send his side's fans into raptures and the Rams into the next round.
Giuseppe Labellarte
