Two first-half goals in five minutes by Billy Paynter helped Swindon to a 4-1 victory and ensured Tranmere's 125th anniversary match celebrations turned sour.

The hosts made much of the early running without being able to capitalise. But it needed a diving save by David Lucas to keep out a Paul McLaren free-kick after 20 minutes before the keeper did well to hold on to a fierce drive by Gareth Edds.

The visitors went ahead with their first real chance after 35 minutes with the unmarked Billy Paynter netting from a Jon-Paul McGovern cross after a throw in.

It was 2-0 after 39 minutes with Paynter again producing a neat finish this time from Kevin Amankwaah centre after Rovers lost possession.

But it became 3-0 after 66 minutes with an excellent finish by Anthony McNamee following a centre by Temitope Obadeyi.

Chris Shuker headed a 78th-minute consolation for the Merseysiders before Simon Ferry fired Swindon's fourth following a corner in added time to leave Tranmere in trouble at the foot of the table.