Andy Drury has left his role as first-team manager of Isthmian Premier Margate.

The news came on Boxing Day, shortly after Gate’s 3-0 home loss to Cray Wanderers.

Assistant manager Reece Prestedge and captain Ben Greenhalgh have been placed in temporary charge.

A brief statement read: “Margate Football Club have today parted ways with first-team manager Andy Drury.

“The club has placed Reece Prestedge and Ben Greenhalgh in interim charge.

“The club will make no further comment at this stage.”

Ex-Folkestone midfielder Drury, 39, took charge of the Hartsdown Park outfit in the summer as he left Whitstable to replace former boss Jay Saunders who headed for National League South Tonbridge.

Margate, 16th, were recently on a seven-game unbeaten run but now have suffered back-to-back defeats, also losing last Tuesday 2-1 at home to Hastings.

Midfielder Sam Blackman struck against Hastings - with Peter Ojemen and Korrey Henry sent off in the defeat - before Blackman was given his marching orders against Cray for two bookable offences.

Margate will start 2023 at Folkestone on Monday, January 2.