SOUTHEND United striker Gavin Tomlin felt his excellent solo strike at Bury on Saturday was further evidence of his growing confidence in front of goal.

Tomlin bagged his seventh strike in six games to secure Blues a 1-1 draw in the second round of the FA Cup at Gigg Lane.

But the 29-year-old insisted he may have opted to pass the ball when confronted with a similar chance earlier on in the season.

“I'm not sure I would have taken it on when things weren't going my way but when you have a bit of confidence you try these type of things,” said Tomlin.

“When I first went in to the box I was going to try and pass it to Freddy Eastwood but the defender blocked that off so I went for goal.

“There wasn't really much for me to aim for so it was great to see it go in and continue my good run in front of goal.

“Hopefully I can keep it going for longer and we can continue to get good results like this.”

Blues have now not been beaten in their last eight games.

And they again showed good character to come from a goal down to avoid defeat.

“We came from behind against Rochdale and again here but we're in good form so know what we're capable of doing,” said Tomlin.

“We don't panic and know we can get back in to games.”

Tomlin's latest effort meant that happened again against Bury.

But, despite his fine form, the striker knows he is unable to relax due to the immense competition for the striking places in the starting line-up.

“Freddy Eastwood came in and did well on Saturday and Britt Assombalonga will be back now too,” said Tomlin.

“Barry Corr is back fit and Elliot Benyon came on too and these are strikers who have all scored goals throughout their career so you have to play well or you won't stay in the side.”