TAYLOR Moore is still rejoicing after scoring the first goal of his career.

The impressive centre-back - who is on loan at Southend United from Bristol City - netted the second goal in Tuesday’s 2-0 win against Gillingham at Roots Hall.

And the 21-year-old was delighted to hit the back of the net during a frantic final few minutes.

“I’m really happy because it’s been a long time coming for me,” said Moore.

“I’ve had a few shots and headers but I’m getting close to 100 professional appearances and it had been a weight on my shoulders.

“Thankfully it’s been lifted now and I’m so happy about that.

“I had about 14 or 15 members of my family watching, which was extra special, and when I heard the crowd cheer you could kind of feel how special it is for me here.”

Moore’s goal came in bizarre circumstances as Blues broke forward while Gillingham’s players showed their displeasure towards the officials.

The Kent club were adamant Connor Ogilvie’s effort had crossed the goal-line.

But, as their protests continued, goalkeeper Nathan Bishop threw the ball forward to Simon Cox who strode forward unopposed before unselfishly squaring a pass to Moore to fire home after he sprinted the length of the pitch to join in with the attack.

“I saw Bish stand up and as I looked forward I could just see Coxy alone in acres of space,” recalled Moore.

“I just suddenly thought ‘well, if Bish throws that out then maybe I could get up there too and give Coxy the option to square it’.

“We all know what a good player he is and I was secretly hoping he would square it to me.

“I get on well with Coxy.

“He’s a really nice guy and he helps me a lot day in, day out both in training and in games but it was great he set me up like that.”

The goal continued Moore’s fine season with the Shrimpers and an online Echosport poll has now revealed the defender is the fans’ player of the year so far.

But Moore is keen to keep on developing his game.

“There’s a lot of stuff I need to improve on,” said Moore.

“I’m only 21 but I do want to get to the very top one day.

“I have to be patient, especially being a defender, but I’m working day in, day out with the coaches here to improve.

“But it’s special to be here around players who want to see you do well.”