WINNING away from home in a local derby is always one of the most satisfying feelings in football.

Monday’s 2-1 victory at Folkestone produced the added bonus for Dover Athletic of lifting them to fourth place in the Dr Martens League Premier Division table.

Three wins out of the first four games clearly represents a more than satisfactory start for Clive Walker’s side, with the manager saying: “I would have obviously have settled for that before the start of the season, especially as we have got a brand new team.

“Also, the support we have had from the fans so far has been tremendous, and there was a great atmosphere at Folkestone."

It’s probably worth remembering, however, that none of the teams Dover have beaten, Moor Green, Crawley Town and Folkestone, have hardly set the league on fire so far, and some of Invicta’s woeful defending on Monday was a far cry from what Whites frequently experienced in the Conference last season.

What Walker has seen so far has confirmed his beliefs on the differences between the two leagues. He said: “I think the biggest differences are probably the quality of the final ball, and the fact that the movement and the support of the players on the ball is better in the Conference.

“As for the physical side, it’s just as tough at this level, but the delivery of free kicks and crosses is better in the Conference, but that’s what comes from having full-time clubs, as half of the Conference sides are.”

The "physical side" is already taking its toll on Whites’ limited resources. Injured strikers Tommy Tyne and Paul Sykes were both among the 1,446 spectators at Cheriton Road. Sykes will hopefully be fit to return in a week or two but Tyne, who like his strike partner has an ankle injury, is likely to be out be out for a little while longer.

Simon Glover and Jamie Day both came off in the second half against Folkestone because of knocks, but both should be fit for Saturday’s home game with Hinckley United (3pm).