Dartford have signed former Colchester United defender Tom Bender.

The 21-year-old is a Wales youth international and he finished last season on loan from Millwall at Welling United, making 14 appearances for Jamie Day's side.

His arrival provides much-needed strength in depth at the back for Dartford. Their only two recognised centre-halves had been Rory McAuley and Mat Mitchel-King, although Nathan Collier is able to cover across the back-four.

Dartford manager Tony Burman said: "Tom has had experience with Colchester and Millwall and is comfortable playing at left-back or centre-half.

"I feel that the signing of Tom will give us more competition for places in the defensive areas and I am pleased to add him to the squad."

Bender could make his Darts debut away to Nuneaton Town on Saturday.