STEVE Riley's first game in charge as Bashley caretaker manager ended in a 3-0 defeat after a traumatic week at the club.

Player-boss Dave Wakefield was sacked earlier on Wednesday along with player-coach Andy Darnton and both were sitting in the stands to watch Bash slip to a predictable loss against a well-organised Margate side.

Wakefield was even remarkably asked to play, but a back injury prevented him from doing so.

The day started badly for the New Forest club as Australian striker Pete Becklar got himself foolishly sent off inside the first couple of minutes after aiming a kick at a Margate opponent.

But the visitors had to wait until midway through the first period for the opener as dangerous striker Darren Braithwaite cracked home the first of his brace.

The lively forward was the creator for Margate's second as half-time approached when he was unceremoniously chopped down by Ashley Wilson for a penalty, which was duly converted.

Facing an uphill struggle, Bash were unable to find a way back in the game and when Richard Gillespie slashed a good chance wide after the break, it seemed only a matter of how many Margate would win by.

Braithwaite provided the answer 20 minutes from time as he raced on to a flick-on and his delicate finish over the advancing Stacey Harper looped into the empty net.

Riley, an experienced central defender brought to the club in the summer, said: "All things considered, I thought the lads put in a decent performance. The effort was there for all to see and that was very pleasing.

"I don't think anybody expected us to get anything from the game after the second minute."

After being asked to take over the manager's job for interim, Riley has not ruled out the possibility of taking the job full-time.

He said: "There is a lot of politics involved and things are still developing with Dave and Andy.

"I was asked on Thursday to take charge for the game and I didn't have a problem with that.

"It is difficult to do it after being brought to the club by Dave and Andy but these things happen in football. I don't know what the club have got planned but I will carry on as long as they want me to. It is all up in the air at the moment.

"As for taking it full-time, I'm not sure I could give the job my full commitment. It would be a difficult call but maybe it would be possible with some help. We will have to wait and see."

Bashley: Harper, Gazzard, Kabir (Rink, 60), Riley, Parnell, Morant, Anderson, Culliford, Becklar, Gillespie, Wilson (Thomas, 85). Unused subs: Elm, Williams.