Amid the gloom of 10-man Ebbsfleet’s 5-1 humbling at National League South leaders Dorking Wanderers there was one glimmer of light.

Substitute Adam Mekki marked his continued comeback from injury with an excellent looping header after the break to ensure the hosts didn’t keep a clean sheet.

It was Mekki’s third goal, the first two came in the opening two matches of the campaign, with the midfielder then missing more than three months with a hip injury.

“It’s been a long journey,” conceded Mekki who has now featured in six of the last eight games for Dennis Kutrieb’s side.

“You work hard throughout all pre-season to build up your momentum and then two games into the season to have the injury that I had was really disappointing.”

Mekki injured himself in the warm-up at Chelmsford in August and didn’t feature again until the defeat at Dulwich in December.

“The boys have made it even tougher,” said Mekki on getting back into the starting line-up.

“To get into a team that’s been winning games at the top of the league is tough to break into regardless of how well I play because the boys have established themselves and earned the right.

“I had an opportunity, scored, so hopefully there’s more to come. Who doesn’t want to be playing?

“The way we play is so enjoyable so fingers crossed there are more opportunities. If Adam Mekki’s scoring looping headers then anything is possible.

“I just tried to get myself in the box. I’ve always been told if you try and get yourself in the box then things can happen and I just reacted to Lee Martin’s cross.

“It doesn’t count for much but, from a personal point of view, it’s always good to score.”

Mekki was an unused substitute on Tuesday night as Fleet suffered another heavy defeat on the road, going down 4-0 at second-placed Maidstone.

Speaking at the weekend, Mekki added: “The injury was a big setback and now it’s about a bit of momentum, winning games and helping the team to achieve what we should achieve - hopefully that’s promotion.

“It’s all to play for. We’re only halfway through the season now, there’s a lot of football to be played and I hope the Dorking game doesn’t define our season.

“They’re all big games now, it’s tight up there. There are some good teams, ourselves, Dorking and Maidstone.

“Not being able to have an impact or play, you’re looking at your team-mates and want them to do well as you want to come back into a side that’s flying. It’s always harder to come back into a team that is struggling and low in confidence.

“I’ve been delighted to be part of a squad that is competing for the title and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love football and being in and around it so I want to do whatever I can to help the boys.

“We’ve got a big squad and we need to push each other on and help each other do well.”