The central defender joined from Cambridge City at the beginning of last season but has this week departed after finding his first team chances limited due to the form of Sam Nunn and Tom Bullard.

Team manager Richard Wilkins said: "Darren is an accomplished defender and I am sure he will be a class act in the Ridgeons League. Everybody at Bury Town wishes him the best of luck at his new club."

Meanwhile, following three consecutive away matches – a spell that has yielded five crucial points for Bury – the Blues aim to continue their rich run of league form when they entertain lowly Waltham Abbey tomorrow (ko 3pm).

Town have lost only once in their last nine Ryman League Division One North outings and are fifth in the table with a game in hand over the top three teams.

However, after conceding a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Tilbury on Saturday – the team's third draw in four matches – Wilkins believes the club's latest result was a case of two points dropped, rather than one point gained.

"It was probably our worst performance of the season but it is still bitterly disappointing to have a win snatched away from you so late in a game," he said.

"We are determined to make the end of season play-offs and, although we are sitting pretty in the table at the moment, it is vital we become more ruthless if we are to reach our goal. We must start turning these draws into wins, beginning against Waltham Abbey."

In contrast to Town, tomorrow's visitors have suffered an inconsistent start to their campaign and are fifth from bottom in the league, with just four victories.

"Despite their league position, Waltham Abbey will not be an easy team to beat. But it is an important game for us to win and we must make home advantage count," Wilkins added.

Striker Ian Cambridge is Bury's only absentee with damaged knee ligaments.