Danny Spiller says he was thrilled by his first taste of competitive football for two-and-a-half years.

The 33-year-old former Gillingham midfielder came off the bench to score a debut goal for Herne Bay on Saturday during their 2-0 Ryman League Division 1 South win at Ramsgate, after signing for the Winch’s Field outfit last week.

Spiller was forced to quit the pro game in 2013 after failing to play a game for then Conference Premier side Luton Town due to a long-term Achilles injury.

His last game for the Gills was as a substitute in the 2-0 last-day League 2 win over Morecambe in May 2012.

He said: “The only disappointment was that it (the goal) was my second touch, and not my first. I am a competitive character, and when I do things I always want to give 100%. I relished the opportunity of being back on the pitch, but wasn’t really expecting to feature in the game.”

Business has taken over Spiller’s life in the last couple of years, and he is now president and team master for Herbalife, and it was his involvement with the American-based health drink company that played a part in him moving to Winch’s Field.

He said: “Mark Lovell is my best mate and plays for Bay and a few of the boys there do a bit of work for the company.

“I had an operation on my right ankle five months ago, which seemed to work well although I still suffer a bit of pain at times.

“The lads have been taking to me about playing, I spoke to (manager) Sam (Denly) last Wednesday and signed the forms the following day.”