Defender Ronnie Vint believes playing alongside Tom Bonner is bringing the best out of him.

The pair have formed an impressive partnership at the heart of the Dartford defence and kept a clean sheet at Welling on Tuesday night.

Academy product Vint is only in his second full season with the first team but is learning all the time from Bonner, who has also featured for Cambridge and Ebbsfleet.

“He has been excellent for me,” said Vint. “I think my performances have been better with him. He is everything I have needed.

“He is experienced, a good talker and we get on well which always helps.

“I’m only 20. He knows what it’s all about. Even when I’m out of shape, he is there putting me back in. It’s what I need.

“During the game we’ve always got each other’s back but outside football we’re good mates off the pitch and it’s a nice bond.

“You look at the experienced players, I look up to them and they’ve always helped me.”

Vint has been one of the standout performers for Dartford this season.

Having joined the club at under-14 level, he knows exactly what it would mean to win promotion.

“To put the shirt on is always a proud moment,” said Vint.

“At the start of the season I was frustrated with myself, injury-wise I didn’t know how to act. Now I’m back in the side, I feel comfortable again and match fit.

“I just want to pick the performances up and get our fans back into the league where they belong.

“I went through the youth system and the academy. It’s my second full season and I want to give something back to the club now.”