Dover Athletic boss Jake Leberl on 3-2 Isthmian Premier derby defeat against Folkestone Invicta in front of big crowd at Crabble

Dover manager Jake Leberl was disappointed not to collect at least a point from “an amazing occasion” as they were edged out by rivals Folkestone on Tuesday night.

A bumper crowd of 2,495 headed for the hotly-anticipated Isthmian Premier match at Crabble, which saw Invicta run out 3-2 victors.

Whites put in a resilient performance, despite falling behind inside 70 seconds, as striker George Nikaj and substitute Jaiden Drakes-Thomas netted, either side of Harrison Pont being sent off by referee Michael Butcher in the second half.

“It was an amazing occasion,” said Leberl, with kick-off delayed until 8.05pm due to the volume of fans flocking into the ground. “I’m so pleased to have such a big crowd.

“I’m really proud and really pleased to see this place buzzing. I just hope the majority will return.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed that we couldn’t send them home with at least a point.

“I felt we were a little bit naive on a few occasions and, to be honest, the atmosphere got to the boys on a few occasions in terms of them doing stuff that we had spoken about that we don’t want to do.

Report: Dover 2-3 Folkestone

“I’m a little bit disappointed with the referee. They have the way they play in terms of slowing the game down as much as they can - but I couldn’t be prouder.

“I thought we put in a decent performance regarding work-rate and spirit.

“We lacked a few bits and pieces in the organisation side of it, and discipline is the one that has killed us.

“Next time, hopefully, we will send them down the slope with three points.”

Leberl was satisfied with the work ethic and desire of his new-look squad despite always being on the back foot within the game.

He said: “I’d be interested to know the fans’ perspective on it. But I