Dover Athletic manager Jake Leberl hopes club’s National League South relegation will be their lowest ebb in recent seasons

Manager Jake Leberl hopes Dover’s National League South relegation will be the lowest ebb for the club in recent years.

A hard-fought 1-0 loss at seventh-placed Hampton & Richmond Borough last weekend ensured Whites mathematically will finish bottom this term, as they suffer a second relegation in three years.

Dover haven’t played Isthmian League football in 15 years since back-to-back promotions in 2007/08 and 2008/09. But Leberl is remaining upbeat after a healthy contingent of away fans made the weekend journey to the capital despite their current plight.

He said: “I had a really positive meeting with the supporters’ club last week.

“I do sense that we’re just turning a corner as a club. Obviously, lots still needs to be worked on - on and off the pitch. But I hope this is the lowest ebb.

“We’re still waiting to hear back from the young boys that we want to keep. We have put a lot into them this season and vice-versa.

“The balance of the squad hasn’t been quite right but, hopefully, we can keep the boys we want to keep. I’m hoping this is the lowest ebb and we can start moving forward. We can get back on track.

“The supporters were really vocal on Saturday. There was a subsidised coach from Megger, we really appreciate that, and fair play to them.

“Although you expect it, the players kept working for them and credit to the supporters. They appreciated their efforts.”

It was a similar tale for Dover, who conceded the game’s only goal against Hampton on the hour from a corner, with experienced defender John Oyenuga absent due to injury.

“The boys were adamant that there was a handball before the corner,” revealed Leberl.

“But we had more than enough chances to get something out of the game. It was a disappointing result