Dover manager Jake Leberl was disappointed not to collect at least a point from “an amazing occasion” as they were edged out by rivals Folkestone on Tuesday night.

A bumper crowd of 2,495 headed for the hotly-anticipated Isthmian Premier match at Crabble, which saw Invicta run out 3-2 victors.

Whites put in a resilient performance, despite falling behind inside 70 seconds, as striker George Nikaj and substitute Jaiden Drakes-Thomas netted, either side of Harrison Pont being sent off by referee Michael Butcher in the second half.

“It was an amazing occasion,” said Leberl, with kick-off delayed until 8.05pm due to the volume of fans flocking into the ground. “I’m so pleased to have such a big crowd.

“I’m really proud and really pleased to see this place buzzing. I just hope the majority will return.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed that we couldn’t send them home with at least a point.

“I felt we were a little bit naive on a few occasions and, to be honest, the atmosphere got to the boys on a few occasions in terms of them doing stuff that we had spoken about that we don’t want to do.

Report: Dover 2-3 Folkestone

“I’m a little bit disappointed with the referee. They have the way they play in terms of slowing the game down as much as they can - but I couldn’t be prouder.

“I thought we put in a decent performance regarding work-rate and spirit.

“We lacked a few bits and pieces in the organisation side of it, and discipline is the one that has killed us.

“Next time, hopefully, we will send them down the slope with three points.”

Leberl was satisfied with the work ethic and desire of his new-look squad despite always being on the back foot within the game.

He said: “I’d be interested to know the fans’ perspective on it. But I don’t think anyone can fault us for a lack of effort.

“Maybe, we were a little naive and maybe the occasion got to us with the late kick-off and all that.

“There might have been a few nerves whereas quite a few of their players have played a lot higher. But that’s not an excuse.

“I thought the referee was poor - but that’s not an excuse.

“We have just cost ourselves by not keeping 11 players on the pitch.”

Leberl’s side conceded first when they failed to clear a ball into the penalty box and Folkestone forward Dan Smith converted to give them the perfect platform.

The boss said: “I think it took us a little bit by surprise. There was a little lack of organisation for the first goal, which is disappointing.

“I didn’t think it was a foul but the referee gave it so you just have got to get on with it.”

Further confusion initially surrounded Invicta’s second. Tom Derry put the ball in the net and, although the assistant referee’s flag was up, the goal was awarded after a conversation between him and Mr Butcher.

Leberl said: “I never talk about officials - I know how tough that job is and it probably was the right decision from what I’ve heard - but I just felt the referee was always going to overrule the linesman anyway.

“Their experienced players got on his back and intimidated him a little bit, if I’m being honest.

“But I’m not blaming the referee for the result. That’s on us.

“We’ll learn and move forward.”

Whites will look to bounce back against another of the favourites for promotion as they visit Billericay on Saturday.

“Billericay are, obviously, a strong side,” said Leberl. “They have got a huge squad and an experienced manager with good players. That’s going to be another tough one.

“But I go there confident and, hopefully, we can get something.”

Billericay were pegged back late on in a midweek 1-1 draw at Chatham.