Tom Bonner is relishing the competition for places in Dartford’s defence.

Bonner and Richard Sho-Silva have been the first-choice centre-halves so far this season but fit-again Ronnie Vint is pushing for a recall.

And with Keaton Wood also in the frame, no one is guaranteed a start.

Bonner said: “It hasn’t been like that for me before at Dartford.

“It’s normally been me and another, that’s it, but this year we’ve got three good centre-backs all pushing for a place.

“It was harsh for Ronnie to be left out against Swindon on Sunday so we’ve all got to stay on our toes to keep the spot.”

Swindon put five goals past Dartford in the space of 38 minutes during the FA Cup first round tie at Princes Park.

Bonner said: “They’re two divisions above us and they showed that. I don’t think we played badly, it was an even game but when they got a chance, they smashed it into the roof of the net and we didn’t.

“That’s always the problem when you play good teams. A goal can settle teams down and make it easier for them to step up a gear or two.

“They’re ruthless in everything they do. They make less mistakes.

“But we’ve had a great start to the season so we can’t be too disappointed about Sunday. It was a massive day for the club, good for the fans and we put on a good show.

“We can’t let this result stop us, we’ve got to keep going and hopefully win the league.”