Dover Athletic manager Jake Leberl on why weekend scorer Destiny Oladipo is yet to get his first National League South start ahead of St Albans City’s visit

Big striker Destiny Oladipo’s wait for his full National League South debut for Dover continues - despite scoring his first league goal on Saturday.

A second-half goal by the former Faversham, Cray Wanderers and Ramsgate substitute proved in vain as basement boys Dover suffered a 2-1 derby defeat against Dartford, a third straight loss.

Oladipo has asked manager Jake Leberl why he hasn’t been handed a start yet, and while his boss is unsure he’s got enough match fitness to get through 90 minutes in the league, he provides a dangerous option.

Oladipo’s only Whites start so far saw him net twice in a 4-0 Kent Senior Cup win at Beckenham this month.

Leberl said: “It’s really difficult, isn’t it?

“We train for two hours a week. Match fitness is different to fitness.

“I’m sure he’s doing a lot away from here - but, for match fitness, you need minutes and it’s difficult at the minute to start him when I’m asking myself deep down ‘How long is he going to last?’

Report: Dover 1-2 Dartford

Dover boss Leberl on derby loss

“He’s making more of an impact later on in games when players are tired, so that’s just where we are.”

Dover, due to host play-off occupants St Albans tonight before this Saturday’s trip to Chippenham, remain a long way from safety.

“It’s disappointing because, when we win a game, we just don’t seem to get a little run going,” admitted Leberl.

“Looking at their recent record, I thought we would have a good opportunity on Saturday to pick up another win at home.

“So, we’re really disappointed not to.

“I think they were there for the taking.”

But Whites’ boss still has enjoyed his first two months at the helm, despite the club facing a second relegation in three seasons.

He said: “The Braintree one (a 3-0