BASHLEY were left still hunting for their first Ryman One victory of the season after two late goals saw them go down at home to leaders Dover Athletic.
But player-manager Dave Wakefield was encouraged by the display, which saw his side match the Kent team for long spells.
However he was left frustrated by the individual errors which led to the goals and ultimately to Bash's downfall.
Sayem Kabir's careless handball in the box gave the visitors a 73rd-minute penalty and although David Elm saved the initial spot kick, the rebound was converted by Dale Skelton
And defeat was sealed with just five minutes left when Elm hesitated in coming for a long ball allowing Walid Matata to nip in a lob in the killer second.
Wakefield said: "The game had 0-0 written all over it and you would have put your mortgage on it finishing that way.
"Both sides cancelled each other out but we made a mistake defensively when Sayem left his hand up and the penalty was the turning point.
"There are ways to avoid these little mistakes and I just hope someone will give us one soon as we could do with that little bit of luck."
And despite the result, Wakefield was delighted with the way his side competed agasinst a team that is likely to be in the promotion shake-up come April.
He said: "The bottom line is Dover are top of the league and we matched them throughout.
"I have no argument with the display and it was hard to know what to say after the game as the lads did everything asked of them.
"We need a break. It is very frustrating as I feel that looking at the league, we should not be where we are based on performances.
"So far we have played some strong sides but not got anything. But if Dover are the best this league has got, there will be good times ahead."
Bash will have a chance to right the wrongs of the defeat when the sides meet for a rematch in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
Bashley: Elm, Parnell, Darnton, Thomas, Morant, Lang, Anderson, Riley (Williams 45, Kabir 65), Culliford, Wakefield (Saunders 75), Gillespie. Unused subs: Harper, Rink.
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