Dover and Folkestone are set to lock horns in the respective clubs’ first Isthmian Premier Kent derby of the season tonight.

The sides will meet at Crabble (7.45pm) - the first league meeting between the teams in many years as Jake Leberl’s Whites outfit return to Step 3 football for the first time since the 2008/09 campaign.

While Invicta were held to a season-opening 1-1 home draw by Carshalton, Dover demolished Potters Bar 8-0 and Folkestone manager Andy Drury thinks Whites are favourites ahead of the derby.

He said: “They’ve beaten Lancing 7-1 (in their last pre-season friendly) and Potters Bar 8-0. I probably make them favourites, if I’m honest with you.

“But it’s still early days. You don’t win or lose the league after the second game of the season.

“But it’s an important game to try and win for the fans at the same time.

“It will be a good local derby. There will be a lot of hard work being put in by both teams.

“We probably have a bit more experience, whereas they’re a bit more youthful as a team and we will see who comes out on top.

“We will be up for it but I’m sure that Jake will get them up for it, as well.”

But Leberl estimates the budget ambitious Folkestone has is potentially more than double the one he has got.

“It’s all set up for a cracking Kent derby,” he said. “I cannot remember the last time the two clubs were in the same league. A lot of players have played for both clubs over the years.

“It will be a wonderful evening.

“I hope we get a good crowd in, I hope they behave and I hope - whether we win, lose or draw - we put on a performance that the fans can be proud of.”

Ex-Dover defender Peter Ojemen is one of Invicta’s more recent summer additions while midfielder Dean Rance and defender Chris Sessegnon are others in the away ranks to have also spent time at Crabble.

From Whites’ squad, Portuguese forward Ruben Soares-Junior - one of their weekend scorers alongside hat-trick hero George Nikaj, defenders Harrison Pont and Joe Tennent, midfielder Luke Baptiste and striker Lindell Stewart - played for the Cheriton Road club last term.

Ivorian forward Evans Kouassi got Folkestone’s goal against Carshalton.