PAUL Trollope hailed match-winner Rickie Lambert after the striker's ninth goal of the campaign secured Bristol Rovers' first away win of the season – and left him top of the national goal charts.

The marksman now has the highest tally of league goals in England's top four divisions.

And Trollope hailed the rich vein of form which has helped the Pirates start to move up the table – they are 15th after their victory at Colchester United.

"Rickie's movement is very good now and I think he's on the top of his game. When the ball is played up to his feet, you know he's going to retain possession and his work ethic is terrific," said Trollope.

"Much has been said about his weight and fitness, but he's in good shape now and he deserves all he's getting.

"He chases lost causes, makes life difficult for defenders and has the quality to score goals.

"Some of our forward play, after withstanding a lively start from Colchester, was very good. We passed the ball well and there were a number of signs that confidence is coming back."

Trollope also had praise for Lambert's strike partner Darryl Duffy and skipper Stuart Campbell.

"While I'm absolutely delighted for Rickie, I have to say that Darryl, despite not getting on the scoresheet, put in a really good shift," said Trollope.

"He got hold of the ball, ran down the sides well, and he and Rickie linked up very well."

Campbell also impressed and Trollope said: "We have withdrawn Stuart a little bit to protect the back four, but it frees other things up. It worked well and Stuart made a number of very good interceptions.

"Colchester threw a lot of men forward later in the game, especially in the last 20 minutes, and pegged us back. However, we defended well in the latter stages."