Revenge on New Year’s Day proved particularly sweet for Dartford defender Ronnie Vint.

The centre-back helped Darts put their Boxing Day defeat to Welling behind them and opened his account for the season in the process.

“It’s great to win a local derby and it’s nice for the fans – they deserve it,” said Vint. “It’s nice to give them something to cheer about.

“We were poor on Boxing Day. We know the standard that we need to reach and we knew that we weren’t good enough all over the pitch.

“Only two or three of us won our individual battles and that’s not enough in this league. So it was nice to get the win on New Year’s Day, get a clean sheet and nick a goal at the end of it.”

Vint insisted the goal should be credited to him, despite striker Charlie Sheringham claiming to get a touch before the ball crossed the line.

“It was headed back across goal and I thought I’d throw myself at it,” said Vint. “It came off my foot and has gone in. Charlie claimed he put it across the line but it’s my goal!

“The gaffers are on my case about getting more goals. Week after week I am on the training ground doing bits to get on the end of things.

“I need to bring it into my game. At the moment I am getting into areas but it’s just not falling for me. It was nice that it fell for me and it will keep the managers quiet for a week or two!”

The only sour note was the yellow card Vint collected for his celebrations – not that he is complaining too much.

“I haven’t jumped into the crowd or taken my top off but the referee gave me a yellow card,” said Vint.

“He has to understand it’s a late 1-0 win and I’m celebrating with the fans behind the goal. It’s a tough one but I’ll take the yellow all day long if we win a derby like that!”

Vint has regained his place at the heart of the Darts defence alongside skipper Tom Bonner.

Dropped at the end of September, Vint has kept his place since being restored to the starting line-up.

“Every year I start the season okay and then I come off it a little bit, I don’t know why,” explained Vint.

“I came out of form and was punished for it. Since then I’ve come back in and done really well.

“I’m my biggest critic, as are my dad and the two gaffers, and I know when I’m not good – I hold my hands up to that.

“But I’ve come back and earned my spot again. It’s nice to be back in the side, feeling fit and contributing to the team.”