Reaction from Dover Athletic manager Jake Leberl following their 1-0 derby defeat against Maidstone United in National League South

Jake Leberl couldn’t believe Dover missed their big chance to equalise against Maidstone.

A yard or so out and with the goal gaping, George Nikaj passed the ball into the arms of Stones keeper Lucas Covolan.

It came early in the second half and was Dover’s one real opening as Kent rivals United left Crabble with a 1-0 win.

“George isn’t talking to anyone at the minute,” said Whites boss Leberl. “He’s very, very down about it.

“I can’t quite believe how he’s missed, to be honest.

“Did it get stuck in the mud a little bit? Maybe.

“I think it’s come off his heel.

“It’s one of those where I think he’s celebrating before the ball has actually hit the back of the net.”

It was an unfortunate moment for the young striker but Leberl praised his transformation under his management.

“He’s been a breath of fresh air since I’ve come in,” he said.

“He’s had his struggles here previously for whatever reason.

“I think a lot of it, he’s got to look in the mirror and say when things aren’t going well for him, is he working hard enough?

“I don’t think he was so we’ve worked on that.

“He beats himself up far too much, and I think that chance affected him a little bit.

“But he’s a local lad, he’s a good lad, I enjoy working with him and I honestly think he’s only going to get better.

“We’ve set up a little programme with him.

“He certainly wasn’t fit enough when I walked in the door.

“He’ll say that’s because he wasn’t playing but I don’t think he was doing enough away from here to get himself fit.

“I don’t think he was in the right headspace or mindset. He likes a sulk-up every now and again, does our George, that’s his body language, that’s who he is.

Report: Dover 0-1 Maidstone

“But he’s been as good as gold since I’ve been here.

“He’