Dover Athletic manager Jake Leberl calls for improved home form as Isthmian Premier play-off place comes under threat

Jake Leberl has called on Dover to improve their home form to clinch an Isthmian Premier play-off spot.

Whites went seven games without a win at Crabble, including five defeats, before beating Bowers & Pitsea 2-0 a fortnight ago.

But they lost 1-0 at home to Chatham on Tuesday night, and need a performance when they host Dulwich Hamlet on Non-League Day this Saturday (3pm).

Dover have been in the top five all season but sixth-placed Carshalton, two points behind, are too close for comfort.

Boss Leberl anticipated a dip in form after a flying start to the season which saw Whites top the table.

But improved results in their final four home games should go a long way towards securing a play-off place.

“I always knew we’d have a downturn or hit a wall somewhere,” said Leberl, whose side occupy the final play-off spot.

“We had a lot of illness over Christmas, which I think played a part, and we had a bit of disruption with lads not being there.

“We also picked up a couple of red cards and suspensions, which coincided with Mitch Walker being injured, so I expected something but not maybe to the degree that it’s happened, especially at home.

“We’ve had some really disappointing results at home which then creates a bit of tension and this is where we find ourselves with seven games to go.

“It’s all about securing that play-off place.

“The teams below are on a good run of form.

“It’s all to play for and it’s exciting and we need everyone behind us.

“The reality check is, no matter what happens, we’ve had a rebuilding season, the club’s come together a little bit more, I just wish our home form was better.

“You’d rather lose away than at home, it would have galvanised everyone a little bit more if we were winning at home but, for