A young Charlton U23s side had plenty of chances but ended up on the wrong end of a 2-1 result against Derby County in Group C of the Premier League Cup.
The Rams named a strong side, that included four first teamers, but it was the Addicks that started the best when Johl Powell was denied well by Derby stopper Harrison Foulkes in the opening minute.
After the initial pressure, Derby settled into the game and began to take control, forcing James Beadle in to some important first-half saves.
The Rams took the lead on the stroke of half-time when first teamer Festy Ebosele, showed extreme speed down the left before crossing for Luke Plange to tap in from just a few yards out.
Charlton came into the game more in the second half but lost momentum during a lengthy change in referee.
Another Derby first teamer, Louie Watson, capitalized, blasting home a superb effort from the edge of the box with just over 20 minutes remaining to put his team 2-0 up.
The home side had skipper Max Bardell sent off, for a second bookable offence, shortly afterwards and Charlton pressed to get back in the game.
Skipper Ben Dempsey pulled a goal back with 14 minutes to go, placing home a curled effort from just outside the box.
The Addicks continued to push for an equaliser and Deji Elerewe headed just over the crossbar from a Charles Clayden cross with the goal gaping.
Derby were able to hold on to secure the three points, which takes them to the top of the group. Charlton are second, having won their season-opener against Reading 3-0.
Charlton U23s: Beadle; Trialist (Reilly 90), Bakrin, Elerewe, Trialist (Chin 46); Dempsey (c), Henry; Clayden, Powell, Santos (Gavin 75); Burstow
Subs not used: Harvey, Appiah
Goal: Dempsey 76
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