Boss Andy Drury has described Folkestone’s derby at Dover as a great advert for Isthmian Premier football.

Invicta edged the long-awaited game at their rivals’ ground 3-2 on Tuesday night.

Striker Dan Smith struck early at Crabble and Tom Derry doubled their lead, after it appeared the goal initially was going to be ruled out, only for Whites forward George Nikaj to pull one back.

But Dover’s task became much harder as Harrison Pont was sent off and Smith completed his double.

Substitute Jaiden Drakes-Thomas then gave Whites late hope but Invicta held on in front of a huge crowd of 2,495 as Drury’s troops’ experience shone through, building on their campaign-opening 1-1 home weekend draw with Carshalton.

“I’m extremely delighted,” said Drury.

“I think the boys put a lot of effort into that. The fans were brilliant, they really deserved those three points today.

Report: Dover 2-3 Folkestone

“The game as a whole pretty much had everything - five goals, a sending off and lots of chances for either side - so it was kind of a great advert for the league.

“Obviously, I’m proud of my players and proud of my club - Jake (Leberl, Dover’s manager) can be the same. He’s a good bloke and got a lot of good performances out of his team again after their result on Saturday.

“It was two good teams at this level playing against each other and we have come out on top - I think deservedly so on the balance of play.”

After kick-off had been delayed until 8.05pm due to the big crowd still flocking in the ground, Smith gave Folkestone the lead inside just 70 seconds and also headed home a second-half goal.

Drury revealed: “I’ve liked Dan for the last four or five years. I’ve tried to sign him three times - he’s turned me down twice!

“We’re lucky to have him. He’s a goalscorer but he does everything. He works his socks off, he’s good in the air and he works extremely hard for the team.

“We’re delighted he’s got his two goals.”

He was joined by Derry up front, who returned to the starting line-up, having been managing an injury.

“He got a little assist for the first goal and Tom is so good in the air,” explained Drury. “He offers so much defensively, as well as going forward.

“We have managed him with his eye injury. He’s come back in and done 90 minutes tonight.

“He’s someone that has always been a big player since I’ve signed him at the club.

“He worked himself into the ground and deserved his goal so I’m delighted for Tom.”

Left-back Frankie Morgan also earned praise from the Folkestone manager for his hard-working substitute appearance, helping instigate counter-attacks as the majority of Invicta’s players dug deep to preserve their 3-2 advantage.

Drury said: “I love Frankie as a player.

“He gives you absolutely everything and works so hard, and he has a little bit of quality on the ball. He was a little unlucky not to start, as well.

“He had a really good pre-season but then was injured for 10 days or two weeks, and we had to bring Jamie Mascoll in.

“Jamie has done well and keeps the shirt for the time being. But Frankie is breathing down his neck.”

Next up for Drury’s squad is a trip to Wingate & Finchley this Saturday.

“I was speaking to one of their management team - Barnesy (coach Paul Barnes) - about this and there’s no easy games at this level,” he said. “Dover beat Potters Bar 8-0, and they have gone and beaten Dartford 1-0 away since. You don’t get any easy games at this level anymore.

“That was probably done about two years ago. It will be another tough game.

“We will have a little roll-call on Thursday to see who’s available because there’s a few niggles, bumps and bruises, and we’ll see how we go on Saturday.”

Drury’s first competitive fixture with the Cheriton Road club upon his return last term came at Wingate & Finchley, then-forward Ibrahim Olutade’s hat-trick leading them to a 4-0 win last year.

Drury added: “I’d snap your hands off for that again!”