Steve Tilson was left "devastated" after Southend United were cruelly denied in the dying moments at Norwich City.

The Blues chief admitted his hurt for the players after an excellent display at Carrow Road saw them lose 2-1 in the last minute of the match.

Tilson could find no fault with the player's performance and is looking to take the positives away to pick them up for Friday night's encounter at home to Charlton Athletic.

"I'm devastated and it was gut wrenching to concede when we did at the end," Steve told southendunited.co.uk

"The lads have given us everything tonight and we deserved at least a point.

"We had chances at the death ourselves to score and I really feel for the players and the fans, as it was bitterly cold and raining all night.

"We have come to a team top of the table and to concede in the last 15 seconds is absolutely devastating.

"We made life difficult for Norwich and our attitude, desire and commitment was all there.

"It is going to be difficult to pick the players up for Friday's game against Charlton, but there were lots of positives to take out of the game.

"The ball broke for Scott in the box to hand us the lead and we had a couple of other good chances.

"Lets be honest, Norwich didn't create too many chances themselves. Mildenhall made a good save, but we haven't reacted and they have scored the rebound and their second goal was from a set play.

"It was a good effort, but we just fell short in the dying moments."