CHARLTON cruised to a record-breaking fifth win out of five opening league games with an emphatic victory over Tranmere at Prenton Park.

Two first-half goals in as many minutes from Lloyd Sam and Jose Semedo caused the hosts to be booed off at the break.

And a second goal from Sam and a fluke goal from Nicky Bailey sealed a third straight away win for Phil Parkinson's in-form side while disillusioned Rovers fans called for manager John Barnes’ head.

The Addicks began the game with the composed passing style that had helped them win their opening four games of the league campaign, and after eight minutes Jonjo Shelvey forced a fine save from goalkeeper Luke Daniels from fifteen yards out.

After benefitting from loose back-headers in Charlton’s previous two away trips to Hartlepool and Leyton Orient, Deon Burton almost made it three from three by capitalising on Aaron Cresswell’s error but for Daniels’ fine tip over the bar.

The league leaders broke the deadlock after 24 minutes after Therry Racon set Shelvey free on the left to float a cross over for Sam, who headed across Daniels and into the bottom corner.

And a bad start for the hosts turned into a nightmare just two minutes later after Burton’s deft backheel put Semedo clean through to slot home his first ever Charlton goal.

Tranmere’s best chance in the first half came a minute before the interval, as Cresswell’s early cross found Rovers skipper Ian Thomas-Moore who forced a good save from Rob Elliott.

Barnes’ men made a good early start to the second period, and Terry Gornell fired a shot just over the bar, but the Addicks countered instantly and Kelly Youga’s fine cross was converted by Sam for his second and the visitors’ third.

Sam could easily have created a fourth on the hour, twisting and turning his way past two Tranmere defenders before his centre was nodded inches wide by Burton.

But 4-0 arrived just eight minutes later, when Nicky Bailey’s diagonal ball missed an entire box of players – including Burton’s attempt at a finishing touch – and into the top corner, sparking furious “we want Barnesy out” chants from the home supporters.

Despite this, Rovers continued to search for at least one goal of their own, but Michael Rickett’s headed flick-on was somehow put over from seven yards by Ian Goodison.

With five minutes remaining, substitute Matt Spring’s overhit cross from the right was headed back into the danger zone by Miguel Llera, and required a brave clearance from Paul McLaren to prevent Burton from converting.

And in the closing moments, a tired Sam couldn’t quite reach Youga’s low ball from the left flank for the tap-in that would have completed his hat-trick.

Charlton: Elliott; Richardson, Llera, Dailly, Youga; Sam, Semedo (Spring 75), Racon, Bailey, Shelvey (Tuna 83); Burton. Subs not used: Randolph, Solly, Basey, Wagstaff, McLeod.