Manager Jake Leberl wants Dover to enjoy a strong FA Cup run.

Whites take a break from Isthmian Premier action after an encouraging start to their league campaign when they visit Isthmian South East Sittingbourne in the first qualifying round on Saturday.

Leberl was then-boss Chris Kinnear’s No.2 when Dover reached the third round in 2014/15, losing 4-0 at home to Premier League Crystal Palace.

That run aside, the club haven’t had too much FA Cup success in recent times - something Leberl is eager to put right.

He said: “It’s a really difficult draw and a really difficult place to go.

“Ryan Maxwell is a manager that’s been very successful. His teams are always up for it, so we cannot go there with the wrong attitude.

“The club as a whole has not done brilliantly in this competition. I was fortunate to be part of the club when we played Crystal Palace and Andy Hessenthaler has done well a couple of times.

“For the fans and the club as a whole, it might be a good time to have a good cup run.

“People might say it takes the focus off the league but not for me.

“You just need to look at what Maidstone did last year and how it brought everyone together.”

While Maxwell’s men ply their trade a division below Whites, last term’s play-off semi-finalists are one of the favourites for promotion from their league, meaning a close match should be in store.

“I would go along with that,” noted Leberl.

“These games are difficult and we have got a history of not doing well in these draws.

“I’m just going to keep banging on to the boys that our mindset will be massive.”

Leberl’s team have taken 10 points from five league matches, beating Horsham 3-1 and Chichester 5-2 at home over the Bank Holiday weekend.

“Saturday was tough in the first half,” said Leberl.

“Chichester caused us quite a few problems and we had to rely on Mitch Walker for the first time, really, this season. But, in the second half, we got to grips with them and got another load of goals.

“Against Horsham, it was really tight in the first half. I felt they were a really good side.

“I think having two games in quick succession suited us better than them because of the average age of our side compared to theirs.”

Striker George Nikaj has continued his bright start to the campaign. His brace against Chichester and another goal at Horsham has left him on eight goals from five games.

Leberl said: “Even last season, George got chances.

“He probably had three or four chances per game. Last season, it just didn’t happen for him.

“But I thought it was just a case of if he got off to a good start he would score goals.

“He has scored with both feet and his head.”

Nikaj dedicated his goal in Sussex to his grandad after his death.

Leberl added: “He’s had some really tough times. But I would like to think he’s maybe learning quicker than some.

“Lots of his senior experience has been really hard.

“Unfortunately in football, there’s a lot less good times than there are harder times.

“His grandad has died and I know he was very close to him.

“I’m sure his grandad would be very proud of him and, hopefully, it spurs him on even more to have a good season.”

Forward Ruben Soares-Junior was another on target at Horsham - alongside midfielder Luke Baptiste - after Soares-Junior’s hat-trick against Chichester.

Leberl said: “Ruben has been a massive signing. He came out of the blue a little bit.

“In my eyes, he’s been our best signing to date.

“He’s such a calming influence, and he understands the game and is an intelligent footballer.

“He’s helping the younger players along the way. He’s been a breath of fresh air.

“I’m delighted he’s scoring, as well. I thought he would.

“He will be a really big player.”

Former Sittingbourne midfielder Harrison Pont won’t face his old club as he serves the final match of his three-game suspension.