Dover Athletic manager Jake Leberl reacts to 2-1 National League South home defeat to Dartford

Boss Jake Leberl felt Dover deserved something out of their National League South derby at home to Dartford on Saturday.

Basement boys Whites suffered a third consecutive loss, beaten 2-1 by a Darts side who had previously been on a five-game losing run.

Away captain Luke Coulson converted a controversial late penalty to win it after substitute Destiny Oladipo had cancelled out Dartford Academy graduate Olly Box’s first-half opener.

Leberl reflected: “Probably, Dartford had the better of the first half - although we started quite well.

“We’re disappointed that we didn’t get something out of the game. I felt we deserved something out of the game today. A draw probably would have been a fair result.

“After getting back into it, you would think - and you hope - the home side would be in the ascendancy. We, obviously, put a few more forward and had some (more) forward boys on.

“But we couldn’t get another one and, unfortunately, we have been done by a bit of organisation and a soft penalty.”

Report: Dover 1-2 Dartford

For the spot-kick, as Dartford striker Elliott Romain and Dover skipper Jacob Mensah battled away, the ball popped up off Mensah’s arm - although the penalty appeared to be awarded by referee Dan England as Romain then went to ground.

Leberl revealed: “Initially, I was told by the linesman that it was for handball.

“Then, I was told - coming off the pitch - apparently it was (given for) a foul. I’d have to see it back.

“But to give a penalty for that from what I saw, that looked soft because boys were tugging at each other all game, in and out of the box.

“I felt he was quite keen to give it, if I’m honest, but it’s gone against us.”

A first league goal for big striker Oladipo, after Roman Charles-Cook’s