Dover Athletic boss Jake Leberl reacts to a sorely-needed 2-0 Isthmian Premier home win over Bowers & Pitsea

Manager Jake Leberl sensed Dover’s players had been on the verge of losing their confidence before a sorely-needed home win on Saturday.

First-half goals from returning midfielder Ryan Hanson and forward Luke Baptiste put fifth-placed Whites on their way to a 2-0 triumph over Isthmian Premier basement boys Bowers & Pitsea at Crabble.

While Dover had been in blistering early-season form, they have struggled in recent weeks.

Leberl, whose team played out a goalless draw at Canvey Island last weekend, said: “The next game is always the most important one.

“Off the back of a clean sheet, although we weren’t great at Canvey, I thought we looked solid and I was pleased to carry that on.

“I know Bowers have had a difficult season so we can’t get carried away. We have got some big games coming up.

“The confidence never went, but I felt we were on the verge.”

Report: Dover 2-0 Bowers & Pitsea

Asked how he could tell his troops were starting to struggle with their confidence, Leberl replied: “You just sense it.

“Obviously, we have got a WhatsApp group and that's been a bit quieter to what it was previously. I’ve just come out of the changing room and the boys in there are absolutely buzzing.

“I’m really pleased for everyone around the club because it has been a tough time.”

Their victory against Bowers was a first at home since November 16 and ended a five-match winless streak.

Leberl reflected: “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?

“Obviously, I’m really pleased with the performance and the clean sheet and to get three points.

“The only disappointing thing, really, was we should have scored a few more.”

Midfielder Hanson - the club captain in the 2021/22 season - made an instant impact on his Crabble comeback on loan from