Conor Masterson enjoyed his return to the Gillingham team on Saturday and described that beautiful winning feeling at Priestfield.

Masterson was making his first appearance in over two months and scored his first goal in a year to clinch three points for the Gills with a 1-0 win over Bradford City.

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“It's the best feeling in the world,” he said, scoring the winner in front of the Rainham End.

“Just to hear the ball back at the net and the Gillingham supporters screaming, it was beautiful.

“It was all as one on the day. I felt it from minute one to the end and it’s just what you dream of as a footballer, isn't it? That was what it was and it was beautiful.

“I'm just delighted for all the fans, all the players, the staff, everyone involved.

“It was all joined up and everyone deserved that I think.

“It just shows the quality we have when we're on it. They were top of the league if they won but we weren't going to let that happen. The lads were brilliant.

“We knew what we wanted and we went out there and we did it.”

Bradford had won their previous four games, with just one defeat in 15 heading to the weekend. The Gills had only won one in 15.

The Gills still believed they could do it.

Masterson said: “They didn't get many chances, us three at the back always had to be switched on but I never felt really, ‘oh Lord, we're on the brink here.’ I always felt in control.

“The boys up front were really strong, the lads in midfield were really good on the ball and I thought the two wing-backs were excellent. They gave it everything and those who came on added to the team again.

“It was just a really all-round great performance from everybody.”

Masterson replaced club captain Max Ehmer in the centre of the defence - a player who he has partnered for much of his time at the Gills.

He said: “I've played a lot and I've learned a lot from Max Ehmer. It's great to be back but I know how it feels to be taken out as well and I feel sorry for him in a way, but I had to go and do my job because that's football.”

Masterson’s endured a frustrating season, missing two months of action at the start of the campaign through injury and missing another few months after picking up another knock at the end of 2024.

He just hopes to enjoy the remaining games ahead.

He said: “It's been very frustrating because I felt like I couldn’t help the team and it is what it is, I can't do anything about it now. It's very frustrating but I can't look back. We're here now and the Gills just beat Bradford 1-0!

“I was knackered with about 75 minutes gone and I just wanted to finish the game but my body wouldn't let me.

“It was just great to be back competing and feeling that atmosphere and feeling the competitiveness again, it was lovely.

“I'm back, I'm enjoying it and I'm looking forward and the next game at Accrington.”