SOUTHEND United striker Gavin Tomlin is aiming to go on a scoring streak after finally bagging his first league goal of the season at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night.

The 30-year-old forward had gone 12 games without finding the back of the net for Blues after signing from Dagenham & Redbridge during the summer.

But he was able to find the back of the net in the 3-2 win at the Memorial Stadium.

And he now wants to become a regular goal-getter for Paul Sturrock's side.

“It was a fantastic feeling when the ball went in and hopefully now I can get a run going,” said Tomlin.

“I thought it was going to be another one of those nights early night because I missed a couple of half chances and that had been the way things have been going for me this season.

“However, when Marc Laird put me through with a great ball I was just thinking about hitting the target and not over-complicating things either.

“I think at times I've been taking too many touches when opportunities have come my way.

“But this time I made sure that didn't happen and thankfully me it went in.”

Tomlin's only previous goal for Blues had come from the penalty spot in a 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in September.

And the forward had became frustrated at having to wait so long for an effort in the league.

“Strikers are judged on goals and I wasn't getting any so of course it's been hard,” said Tomlin.

“Fortunately the gaffer stuck by me and I want to try and repay that faith he's showed in me.

“You do try and stay positive because you need that kind of mentality in football but it is difficult when things aren't going your way.

“I'm really happy to have scored now though and it made even better by the fact we won the game because Bristol Rovers is a really tough place to come and we did well to win it.”

The victory was Blues' second in succession and Tomlin feels the side are already benefiting from their new look midfield which features loan signings Marc Laird and Tamika Mkandawire.

“Lairdy has been brilliant since he's come in and really gets around the pitch,” said Tomlin.

“He scored at the weekend against Stockport and made my goal on Tuesday with a really good pass.

“He's done well so far and Tam is a big presence in there for us too so they're two very good signings.

“Hopefully we can get on a good run of results now to get higher up the table because that's where I feel we should be.”