ON loan Southend United defender Taylor Moore felt defeat was harsh on the Shrimpers at Barnsley on Saturday.

Blues slipped to a second away defeat in succession with Tykes striker Kieffer Moore netting a late header.

But Moore felt Chris Powell’s side deserved to pick up at least a point.

“It was a very good away performance from us and to walk away with nothing is very harsh on us,” said Moore.

“We made it difficult for them and we felt as though we got the crowd on their backs a bit too.

“We did more than match Barnsley because we had the chances to go ahead which, unfortunately, we didn’t take.

“But to concede from a set piece in the last few minutes was heartbreaking and going back into the changing room you could sense the disappointment.”

And Moore was also frustrated by the manner of Barnsley’s goal as his namesake leapt high to head home an Alfie Mowatt corner in the closing stages of the contest.

“Lots of teams in this League have set piece specialists so the less free-kicks and corners we give away the better it is,” said Moore.

“We need to look at what we’ve been doing well when not conceding from set pieces in the last few games.

“We need to keep a high-line and be nice and narrow and compact but, unfortunately, we let it slip and of course it’s difficult to take.

“But we have to take it on the chin and learn from it.”

Blues will now be looking to bounce back from the disappointment when they host Crawley Town in the first round of the FA Cup this weekend.

And Moore would be happy to continue at right-back if required.

“Looking at the injuries we’ve had the manager and the staff have had to adjust things but I’m more than happy to play right-back if needed,” said the 21-year-old.

“We have players who can play in different positions and that gives us options.”

But Moore remains saddened by the list of injury setbacks.

“It’s awful,” said the defender.

“There aren’t many words that can describe that feeling.

"They are lads you’re with day in, day out.

"For freak accidents like that to happen is heartbreaking but they continue to offer their full support to us.”