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.

Dartford 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 left-wing cross, was a small positive for a Dover side to take.

They are now 12 points away from safety with 13 games left to play.

Leberl revealed: “They’re my favourite goals!

“Whereas the old-fashioned forwards scored from two yards out, the modern-day forwards don’t want to get those goals as much anymore.

“It probably doesn’t look good on their Instagram accounts - or something stupid like that - because they want to smash them in from 30 yards.

“I’ve been speaking a lot to Destiny. We had a good chat before the game, he’s disappointed he hasn’t got his start.

“I said my bit, he said his bit, and I thought he came on and affected the game - like he did the last time we played here (in a 1-0 win against Slough). He’s just got to keep working, learning, listening and, hopefully, he’ll have a long spell here.

“He’s a good lad and offers something. Hopefully, we can continue working with him.”

Leberl, who has signed attacking midfielder Kai Neil-Gray, albeit he wasn’t involved against Dartford, also explained the absence of coach Mike Sandmann.

He said: “When we came in, Mike said that he wasn’t available on this date due to family commitments. We all knew about it.

“We missed him. He’s been an absolute breath of fresh air, to be honest, and I’ve been very impressed with him.

“He gets on with all the boys. He’s really good at his job, a brilliant coach and long may our relationship continue.”

Whites host play-off occupants St Albans, who lost 3-1 at Bath on Saturday, this Tuesday.

Leberl said: “St Albans are a very good side.

“They’re a well-established side at this level for a good while. They have got their identity of how they play - but they can mix it, as well, and do a bit of both. It’ll be a really tough test.”

When Dover visited St Albans in September, they lost 2-0.