IN-FORM Canvey Island striker Martin Tuohy says even he is surprised at how quickly he has found his scoring boots since his summer move.

The 31-year-old has been in blistering form having linked up with the Gulls from AFC Hornchurch, scoring 11 goals in 13 league games and 12 in all competitions.

He has five in his last four games and is hoping to stretch his lead at the top of the Ryman Premier scoring charts tomorrow against Brentwood Town.

Although he says his form is down in large part to the support he has from those at the club.

“It has gone really well,” said the striker. “I settled in really quickly and that goes down to the boys, the management and the supporters. It is a great group and a generally nice place to play your football and I don’t think I would have scored as many had that not been the case.

“The team is playing well although we have leaked too many goals. The guys at the back are very experienced and I know they are disappointed with some of the goals we have let in but we are scoring to so that is positive.

“If we carry it on there is no reason we can’t push for play-offs.”

Tuohy hit an 89th minute winner against Wingate & Finchley on Tuesday to hand Canvey their third straight win and lift them to sixth.

However, controversy surrounded the goal and Tuohy admits it should have been chalked off.

“It did hit my hand,” said the forward. “I went with my head but it came off my hand and went in. It was unfortunate and I did feel bad but we will have decisions go against us as the season goes on.”

Tuohy targeted more than 20 goals at the start of term and, having already passed the halfway mark, he says he is not ready to adjust that total just yet.

And he knows the Gulls face another tough match when newly-promoted Brentwood visit the Frost Financial Stadium.

“I had aimed for 25 before the season and I am about halfway there but I am not going to change it yet. All strikers go through bad spells in front of goal and I just hope mine doesn’t come anytime soon.

“I think they have surprised a few people and they have scored a lot of goals. Seven against Staines and five against Lewes is some going so we must be wary of that.

“I know some of the boys there and I am looking forward to this match and the prospect of getting more goals.”

Gulls boss Danny Heale will only be missing attackers Jay Curran and Ozzy Adeniji for the match, with competition for places fierce.