Aaron Martin was delighted with his opportunity to impress on Saturday and hopes to continue showing what he can do.

The 20 year-old marked his rise from non-league football with Eastleigh into the Saints first team with a solid display at Gillingham, and the confident young defender was happy to get some valuable minutes on the pitch.

"Obviously it was disappointing that we lost, but it was a good game to make my debut in," he said.

"I thought I dealt with them in the air and I knew that they were quick in behind, so I made sure I gave myself that extra yard against them.

"It was a big step up. Obviously the players are a lot more physical, bigger, stronger and quicker. The game was quicker than what I am used to, but I felt I did alright."

Martin feels that the fourteen games he played at Salisbury City have been just as important in his development as the knowledge he has called upon from the experienced players in the Saints squad.

"I think I learned a lot today. I spoke before to Radhi and to José and they told me what I was going to experience although nothing can prepare you for what it's actually going to be like when you're out there on the pitch, but it was a good debut and I'm pleased with it.

"I've just been training as hard as I can and playing as well as I can in the reserves and at Salisbury just so that the gaffer would get some good comments back. I've been talking to all of the older players here too to see about different techniques and everything really so I can get as much information from them as I can until I get some more appearances under my belt.

"I'm happy that the gaffer has given me a chance to show what I can do. It was disappointing that we lost, but I'm glad that I have now got my debut out of the way.

"I'm now going to come back for pre-season and train as hard as I can, then carry on with that to try and cement my place in the back four."