Justin Donawa made his long-awaited return to competitive action with Solihull Moors on Saturday.

Having endured a prolonged period on the sidelines due to an ankle injury, the Bermuda forward made his first appearance in 11 months after coming on as a 75th minute substitute in Moors 3-0 defeat away to Dagenham and Redbridge in the Vanarama National League.

While Donawa could not prevent his side slipping to a second successive league defeat, he spoke of his relief at finally returning to action.

“Not the result we wanted, but I’m beyond thankful to have played my first bit of football after nearly 11 months out,” said Donawa who was left out of the Solihull squad for the FA Cup First Round replay away to Hartlepool on Tuesday night.

“It hasn’t been the smoothest of journeys, but I’m coming back stronger than ever.”

Having made an encouraging start to last season, scoring twice in 16 appearances for Neal Ardley’s side in all competitions, the 26-year-old’s campaign was cut short after suffering a fractured distal fibula in his ankle last December.

With the versatile forward sidelined, Solihull agonisingly missed out on promotion to Sky Bet League Two, going down 2-1 after extra time against Grimsby Town in the play-off final.

However, despite the injury setback, Donawa was handed a new deal with the West Midlands-based outfit, ending speculation over his immediate future after he reportedly attracted the interest of league rivals Southend United over a possible free transfer with his previous two-year deal at the ARMCO Arena was coming to an end.