Simon King's return to Gillingham’s starting line-up proved bitter sweet on Saturday.

King made his first Gills start since April 2011 and completed his first full game for the club since their Wembley play-off victory in May 2009.

But his afternoon at Port Vale ended on a downer after two late goals left the Gills beaten and the 28-year-old deflated.

"There were some mixed emotions," he said. "It was great to get 90 minutes under my belt and it’s always a pleasure to put the Gills shirt on but then we have lost the game.

"I thought as a team we looked pretty solid out there. It was such a shame as we had a completely different back four out. We took responsibility and were man enough to put in a good performance. Unfortunately we got a bit sloppy towards the end and conceded a couple of goals which was frustrating."

King formed part of a back four which was changed completely from the one which started against Southend.

"I felt like an old granddad out there sometimes," joked King, who was lining up alongside teenagers Connor Essam and Jack Evans in defence.

"Obviously Danny Jackman is experienced and was playing left-back but I like taking responsibility and looking after the youngsters. But give them credit, I think they played really well.

"It’s been a tough time for me but I enjoyed the game, although I didn’t enjoy losing. But it was nice to be out there and it’s good that all that hard work has paid off."