Neil Smith declared that Bromley’s season has now started after the Ravens earned their first National League point at home to Aldershot Town.

The Shots found themselves 2-0 up after only 21 minutes as both Scott Rendell and Matt McClure found the back of the net.

But the Ravens rallied and halved the deficit on the stroke of half-time through a Tobi Sho-Silva header.

And a revived Bromley equalised on 74 minutes as substitute Louis Dennis fired a shot home to earn a 2-2 draw.

Smith told the official website: “I’ve never questioned their character, their determination or effort.

“We just needed to get the finishing going and that was great. As soon as we scored you saw a weight lift off everyone’s shoulders.

“Bringing Louis [Dennis] on who has been in a dark place with his injuries was fantastic, he’s coming through the other side now and what a great finish for the goal.

“We even had some chances to win the game but we started today – that’s our season started now.”

Despite being delighted with his side’s fightback, Smith acknowledged that Bromley cannot afford to go two goals down too often.

“We should have done better with the goals,” he added.

“You can’t give a team a two-goal head start but it was a fantastic way to come back.

“The supporters have been amazing, and so have the board. The confidence and backing we’ve had has been great.”

Meanwhile, goalscorer Dennis, who has had a horrid time with injuries, said: “I couldn’t wait to make a home return and the reception was lovely and it gave me that boost to come on and score.

“From a personal level it’s been a horrible period being out for so long. But I’m just buzzing for the team and hopefully we can push on now.”