Marcus Dinanga made his return to competitive action after 308 days sidelined with an Achilles injury as Bromley battled to a goalless draw at Shrewsbury on Saturday.
After joining the Ravens from Gateshead last summer, the 27-year-old scored twice in 10 appearances before an Achilles injury brought his season to a premature end only a month into Bromley’s maiden Football League campaign.
Dinanga’s recovery stretched into the summer, but he was ready to come back into the fray in time for the new season, netting four times against Tottenham’s Under-21s in pre-season.
He almost took that scoring form into the start of the league campaign when he found the back of the net only three minutes into the season with an instinctive finish from a Kyle Cameron knockdown.
However, a dream return to competitive action was not to be after the linesman adjudged him to have strayed offside.
The Burton Academy graduate provided Bromley with a focal point throughout at Shrewsbury, utilising his willingness and pace to run in behind and create pressure.
He linked up nicely with his teammates and was unlucky to glance a header just past the post as Bromley began the season where they left off, extending their league form away from home to five unbeaten.
Speaking to the News Shopper after his first league start in almost a year, Dinanga reflected on his tough journey back to fitness.
“It was hard for me just seeing the boys outside training, and I couldn’t do that for so long,” he said.
“I was in the gym every day working, and mentally it was hard, but I am happy I went through it all and can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“I was happy to get some minutes, to start and to help the team get a point on the board – we were good and solid. We have to build on the draw.”
Bromley boss Woodman was also delighted with Dinanga’s performance but stressed the importance of managing the 28-year-old’s playing time.
“I thought Marcus was excellent,” said Woodman. “He put a good shift up there. He showed good strength and awareness. He put in a real graft.
“We have to be careful. The easy option would be for me to leave him on the pitch because he's having such a good game.
“But you have to realise that he hasn't had ninety minutes at this level for a long time.
“So it was a case of making sure that there are precautions and getting ready to go again.”
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