Striker George Nikaj has explained what he thinks has been the secret behind his goal-laden start to Dover's season.

Nikaj tops the Isthmian Premier goalscoring charts with 12 goals from 11 league fixtures this term.

He was again on target as Whites were 4-2 home winners against Hashtag United to move top last weekend, with his red-hot form coming after he had been involved in the club’s two relegations inside three years.

“I’m just more relaxed in front of goal,” said Nikaj.

“I was really desperate to impress everyone, especially the manager (Jake Leberl), last season. I was just so desperate for that goal.

"This season, I’ve sort of calmed myself down - I’m just taking my time and stuff like that - which has made me more relaxed and composed.

“I think that’s the reason why I’m getting the goals this season.”

Unsurprisingly, 21-year-old Nikaj’s confidence is sky high but, even when he was thrown into higher-division football, he always had backed himself to score.

He said: “I don’t think it’s to do with confidence, really, because I have always believed in myself.

“Last season, I was getting the chances. I was just a bit rash in front of goal.”

Having endured plenty of tough times at Dover in the early stages of his career, youth-team product Nikaj was asked what it’s like to be competing at the right end of the table.

Speaking after the game with Hashtag United, he stated: “It’s the best feeling in the world!

“It was doom-and-gloom last season, especially towards the back-end of the season when we were relegated. There’s just been a complete change of atmosphere.

“That starts from the gaffer trying to spread positivity around the club. And the fans, as well. The fans have been right behind us from minute one to minute 90.

“It’s brilliant that we’re getting this backing from everyone.”

Dover’s victory from their first meeting with Hashtag attracted a crowd of 2,732, their highest since November 2017, on a successful community day.

Nikaj revealed: “I didn’t realise it was that many!

"Of course, the more fans that come here, the better atmosphere it creates - and the more exciting it is for the players.”

Nikaj’s latest league goal sealed the points as he hammered home from distance with an 84th-minute effort which flew into the top corner via the crossbar.

“I don’t score many from outside the box,” said Nikaj. “All my goals this season had been from inside it so it was a nice feeling.”

Nikaj is also enjoying working under fans’ favourite Leberl.

He noted: “He’s a local lad - like myself. We both want what’s best for the club.

“I’m buzzing for Jake because this is a club that Jake really cares about. He’s properly passionate about it.”

There is plenty of football still left to play this term, of course, but a quick return to Step 2 for frontrunners Dover has already started to look more than a distinct possibility.

Nikaj said: “I don’t want to say something too early because it’s only October.

“But with the way that the team is gelling and the way that the team is playing for the manager, why can’t we do it? That’s what I’m thinking.

“I don’t want to put a lot of pressure on the boys, but I definitely think the direction that we’re going in is a positive one.”

While Nikaj appears on course to at least hit the 30-goal league mark, he won’t get carried away.

“No target,” confirmed Nikaj, whose sole stint away from Dover to date saw him enjoy two loan spells at Ashford United.

“It’s just a case of keeping going, taking it game-by-game and, hopefully, long may it continue that I’m putting the ball in the net.”