Charlton moved five points clear at the top of League One after demolishing Preston at The Valley on Saturday.

Chris Powell named the same team and subs for the fourth successive game. Preston’s injury woes left them with just Juvhel Tsoumou to play up front ahead of a five man midfield.

The opening few minutes saw Preston in the ascendency before the Addicks turned on the style and made the game safe before the break.

The first goal, after 16 minutes, owed much to the brilliance of Danny Green. Driving at the heart of Preston defence, Green tricked several defenders before unleashing a vicious shot that Andreas Arestidou could only parry. Johnnie Jackson was on the spot to steer the rebound home.

Five minutes later a right-wing corner by Jackson was pushed out for Michael Morrison to fire home from close range.

The action continued unabated and when Ben Hamer miskicked a clearance Preston missed the opportunity to get back in the game.

A weak back header was latched onto by Yann Kermorgant just before the half-hour mark. Arestidou tried to recover the situation but felled Kermorgant in the area. Jackson made no mistake from the spot.

A bizarre incident then caused a lengthy delay.The West Stand assistant referee had to be replaced. Mr Horwood appeared to be unwell rather than injured.

Seven minutes before the break Bradley Wright-Phillips added a fourth. A Green free-kick to the far post was weakly headed back across goal by a Preston defender to leave Wright-Phillips with the simplest of headers to extend the hosts’ lead.

Phil Brown made a double substitution at the break to try to stem the tide. The Addicks naturslly eased off and, on occasions, became sloppy.

However, halfway through the second period Charlton scored a fifth. Terrific work down the left by Rhoys Wiggins culminated with the in form left-back crossing for Danny Hollands to head home.

Preston notched two late consolation goals. First, Craig Morgan had a free header from a right-wing corner, then substitute, Keammar Daley, swivelled to crack home a fine second.

The team’s response since the Stevenage upset has been exceptional, four games, four wins, fifteen goals scored with just three conceded.

Results elsewhere went in the Addicks’ favour and they are now five points clear of second place Huddersfield, seven clear of Sheffield Wednesday in third and a staggering fourteen ahead of seventh placed Stevenage.

Things could scarcely be better for Powell’s team right now.

Charlton: Hamer; Solly, Taylor, Morrison, Wiggins; Green (Wagstaff 72), Hughes, Hollands, Jackson (Euell 82); Kermorgant, Wright-Phillips (Hayes 72).

Subs (not used): Sullivan, Cort.

Goals: Jackson 16, 26 (pen), Morrison 22, Wright-Phillips 38, Hollands 68.

Booked: Hamer 85 (kicking ball away).

Preston: Arestidou; McLaughlin, Morgan, McLean (Mayor 46), Parry; Coutts, Gray, Alexander, Nicholson, Smith (Daley 46); Tsoumou.

Subs (not used): Ashbee, Barton, Zibaka.

Goals: Morgan 85, Daley 90.

Booked: Smith 3 (foul), Coutts 45 (foul).

Referee: Phil Gibbs (West Midlands).

Attn: 17,486 (543 Preston).