Dover’s gamble reaped rewards as they snatched a last-gasp Isthmian Premier point at Carshalton on Saturday.

Whites, returning to league matters after a two-week break from competitive action following their 5-1 derby thumping of Dartford, trailed to Tommy Bradford’s second-half strike.

But boss Jake Leberl and his management staff opted to make some brave substitutions which worked, midfielder Luke Baptiste levelling with a dramatic overhead kick in the second minute of stoppage time.

On the draw, Leberl reflected: “I’m disappointed, to be honest, after the Dartford game.

“We didn’t turn up - individually or collectively. They gave us a really hard time and we really struggled.

“With the way they play, they have a lot of the ball but don’t create loads of opportunities.

“But I’d said previously to the players, if you stay in the game, you can take some risks.

“We took a massive gamble, taking both centre-halves off, and got the equaliser.

“I thought big Eniye [Amgbaduba] made a big difference. The two brothers - Eniye and Tamas - have shown that they are really good characters.

“Eniye changed the game when he came on and it was nice for Baps to get the goal.

“He was one of the players to show energy so I was pleased for him.”

Even before the Carshalton match, Leberl was growing concerned some players were getting carried away with the start to the season but felt, ultimately, the new-look group’s togetherness is what earned them the point.

He noted: “We definitely have got that [unity]. It did concern me a little bit that people were getting a little bit carried away with the start we have had.

"It’s that fine balance between confidence and arrogance, isn’t it?

“Ultimately, you have got to keep working hard.”

For Academy graduate Baptiste, who is now working alongside Mike Sandmann in the youth-team ranks as a coach, it was a fourth goal this term.

Leberl said: “Luke had a difficult time last season. He was very frustrated.

“But he came back in pre-season and was really up for it. He worked hard through the summer and started pre-season strongly - and has taken that form into the season.

“He has been a really positive player for us so far.”

Baptiste has been through plenty at Dover despite still being just 21.

Leberl said: “He has been here for a few years and has got 100 appearances.

"Although he’s young, he has been through a lot.

“He’s playing a much bigger part this year and he’s sort of relishing it.

"He’s a really good guy to work with.”

Next for Whites, who remain second in the Isthmian Premier table, is a home match against Wingate & Finchley on Saturday.

It will be an encounter which is likely to see Leberl’s team up against a familiar face.

Leberl said: “They produce quite a few good players.

“Jaiden Drakes-Thomas has just signed there and we know all about him. It certainly will not be easy.

"It’s important for us that we start better than we did last Saturday.”

The match will also begin a run of five fixtures in seven at Crabble for Dover.

“The whole feeling about the place has been very positive,” admitted Leberl. “Obviously, we have given them something to cheer about with the amount of goals we have been scoring.

“Hopefully, we can get another good crowd against Wingate.”

Dover have been drawn at home against divisional rivals Cheshunt in the FA Trophy third qualifying round on Saturday, October 5.

Teenage defender Matty Holness has joined neighbours Deal on an initial one-month loan.