Big striker Destiny Oladipo’s wait for his full National League South debut for Dover continues - despite scoring his first league goal on Saturday.

A second-half goal by the former Faversham, Cray Wanderers and Ramsgate substitute proved in vain as basement boys Dover suffered a 2-1 derby defeat against Dartford, a third straight loss.

Oladipo has asked manager Jake Leberl why he hasn’t been handed a start yet, and while his boss is unsure he’s got enough match fitness to get through 90 minutes in the league, he provides a dangerous option.

Oladipo’s only Whites start so far saw him net twice in a 4-0 Kent Senior Cup win at Beckenham this month.

Leberl said: “It’s really difficult, isn’t it?

“We train for two hours a week. Match fitness is different to fitness.

“I’m sure he’s doing a lot away from here - but, for match fitness, you need minutes and it’s difficult at the minute to start him when I’m asking myself deep down ‘How long is he going to last?’

Report: Dover 1-2 Dartford

Dover boss Leberl on derby loss

“He’s making more of an impact later on in games when players are tired, so that’s just where we are.”

Dover, due to host play-off occupants St Albans tonight before this Saturday’s trip to Chippenham, remain a long way from safety.

“It’s disappointing because, when we win a game, we just don’t seem to get a little run going,” admitted Leberl.

“Looking at their recent record, I thought we would have a good opportunity on Saturday to pick up another win at home.

“So, we’re really disappointed not to.

“I think they were there for the taking.”

But Whites’ boss still has enjoyed his first two months at the helm, despite the club facing a second relegation in three seasons.

He said: “The Braintree one (a 3-0 defeat), I didn’t enjoy that at all. I didn’t enjoy the body language or the work ethic.

“I felt a few of them downed tools against Braintree and I didn’t want that to have a knock-on effect for the rest of the season.

“Against Worthing (a 6-4 loss), we had a bit of a reaction - although against a very good side - but it proves they do care with the performances they have put in.

“They have given everything, come off knackered and they’re fighting for themselves and the club.

“They have got their careers to think about.

“I’m pleased with the attitudes of the boys in general.

“It’s a little bit of a lack of quality and a little bit of a lack of desire sometimes in both boxes that’s costing us - but, other than that, I have enjoyed it a relative amount.”

Dover revealed the signing of Kai Neil-Gray ahead of their derby defeat to Dartford, the former Merstham midfielder netting in their victory at Beckenham, although he’s been made to wait for his first league appearance.

Leberl revealed: “Kai has been training with us for a while now.

“We wanted to see him in a game. We - finally - got to see him in the Kent Senior Cup and I thought he did all right.

“Kai has been out for quite a long time with an injury. It took him a long time to get back and then, obviously, it’s difficult.

“There’s no match fitness there.

“But he’s a talented boy, he’s a bubbly boy, and does well in training. He was really keen to have the opportunity.

“Hopefully, we can give him some opportunities.”

A positive injury update has also been handed to Dover regarding when left-back Bailey Akehurst should return to full fitness.

There were initial fears Akehurst’s season was over as he hurt his knee in the warm-up before their 1-0 loss at play-off chasing Torquay last month.

But the 20-year-old former Gillingham man should return much sooner than first expected.

Leberl said: “We all felt, especially with the way he reacted, that Bailey’s season was over. But he’s had some positive news.

“I think we’re looking at having him back in four to six weeks.”