BRISTOL ROVERS 2, OLDHAM 0 (H-T)

RICKIE Lambert smashed home a contender for Bristol Rovers' goal of the season to put the Pirates in front against promotion-chasing Oldham at the Memorial Stadium.

And Chris Lines grabbed his second goal of the campaign to give the home side a two-goal cushion as they look to record back-to-back home wins for the first time.

Oldham had looked lively in the early stages, but Lambert had his eye on goal when he let fly with a 25-yard free kick which forced Latics keeper Mark Crossley to dive to his left to save.

That was nothing, however, compared to the stunning strike the Scouse marksman unleashed in the 16th minute.

Picking the ball up midway inside the Oldham half, he set his sights as the visiting defence fatally retreated – and smashed a glorious right-foot thunderbolt home from fully 35 yards.

Although Chris Taylor tried to put the visitors back in the game moments later with a 25-yarder that Steve Phillips had to tip over, Bristol Rovers doubled their lead after 35 minutes from a Stuart Campbell corner.

Lambert rose to nod it down and Lines was well-placed to convert from close range.