Dover Athletic boss Jake Leberl on the club’s cost-cutting decisions in recent weeks and their National League South derby at promotion-chasing Ebbsfleet United

Manager Jake Leberl believes Dover’s cost-cutting exercise in recent weeks is a credit to how well the club have performed this season.

Whites, promoted through the Isthmian Premier play-offs after a fifth-placed finish last term, look likely to maintain their National League South status.

While their campaign appears to be heading to a disappointing end, many Dover supporters would probably have considered a fifth-bottom finish - or higher - a success. They’re on course for just that.

Having little left to play for in the final fixtures of the season, midfielder Alfie Matthews and forward Francis Mampolo - who has since rejoined rivals Tonbridge - had their contracts terminated last month around their commitments in the televised indoor Baller League.

Goalkeeper Jordan Gillmore and striker Kenny Coker have also both been sent out on loan to Isthmian South East strugglers VCD and Isthmian Premier Cheshunt, respectively, while forwards Rolando Onu and Kieron Agbebi have been recalled from their loans, at Ramsgate and Sheppey United, to strengthen squad numbers.

Leberl conceded he has been frustrated by the club's decision to reduce costs - but totally understands it.

“You want momentum, going into the new season, but we have had to cut costs,” he revealed. “At the end of the day, we’re a business and the club feels we have done enough to be safe.

“It does (frustrate me) - but I totally understand it. Reading this week about ‘This club are in this much debt’ and, obviously, we're run debt-free. I think it’s really important we do that.

“It’s a credit, really, to how well we have done that we’re able to do that. Since there were eight weeks left of the season, we have, relatively, been safe - not mathematically - but that’s