CRAIGE Tomkins claims he is the man to fill the Michael Murray-shaped void at Uxbridge.

Tomkins netted a 25-yard wonder strike in the 4-0 win over former team-mates AFC Hayes in the Bank Holiday Monday derby and labelled the goal the best of his career.

It was one of a brace and took the giant front-man’s tally to three this season.

And he is going all out to make up for the loss of last year’s leading light Murray, who left for pastures new this summer.

He said: “Muzza (Murray) was a great finisher and when it came to free-kicks that boy would always put it in the goal.

“But I’m trying to fill his boots. I’m looking to get 20 plus goals this season to match Michael’s total from last time.

As for the thunderous volley on the pitch he used to call home, Tomkins paid tribute to manager Tony Choules for helping him be a more instinctive striker.

He said: “I thought let me just hit it. The gaffer always tells me do the first thing that comes into your mind and that is what I did.

“I’ve hit a few good ones, but that’s probably top of my list and it meant so much as well because I used to play for AFC Hayes.

“I scored 28 goals in the time I was there so scoring against them I tried not to celebrate, but it was hard not to celebrate one like that.”

The giant striker hopes to continue his scoring form as Uxbridge hit the FA Cup trail on Saturday against Spartan South Midlands outfit Stotfold.

The Reds’ recent history in knockout football, most notably their FA Trophy run a few seasons back suggest they play better as underdogs.

So for Tomkins the task is about evoking the spirit of the win at Maidenhead in that memorable run regardless of the opponents.

He added: “We’ve got to play like it is the same as any Conference side we have played in a cup competition, do what we know we can, score goals and win the game.”

Uxbridge had picked up their first three points of the campaign two days earlier as Marlow were defeated 2-1 while AFC Hayes went into the derby on the back of a thrilling 3-2 win at Leighton Town.

Meanwhile, Garry Senior bagged the only goal of the game as Northwood bounced back from two consecutive home defeats with a 1-0 win over North Greenford at Northwood Park.

Mark Burgess' boys were beaten 3-0 by Daventry Town on Saturday.