League One leaders Charlton handed out a lesson to Tranmere as they cantered to a 4-0 win in a one-sided affair at Prenton Park.

Two goals midway through the opening half put the Addicks in total control and a third four minutes into the second period virtually ended any hopes for John Barnes' outfit.

It was all Charlton early on. Luke Daniels in the home goal made good saves from Jonjo Shelvey and Deon Burton whilst Christian Dailly flashed a header just wide from a Shelvey corner.

The visitors finally took the lead in the 25th minute when Lloyd Sam headed in a deep cross from Shelvey - and within sixty seconds it was 2-0 with Jose Semedo firing into the left corner from a back heeled pass by Burton.

John Welsh volleyed just over for Tranmere soon after the break but they fell three goals behind after 49 minutes as Sam headed in at the far post from a Kelly Youga centre.

And a 40-yard effort from Nicky Bailey deceived Daniels to make it four in the 68th minute and put the gloss on a fifth successive win for the Addicks.