The Grays machine continues to plough ominously on towards Villa Park with St Albans the latest side to be crushed on Tuesday night.
After a goalless first half, Blues turned on the style in the second period with a brace from Gary Hooper and strikes from Stuart Thurgood and John Martin helping them to a comfortable victory.
The Ease of victory was no doubt aided by the dismissal of ex-Grays midfielder, Ram Marwa, who was sent off just after half-time after picking up two bookings.
Boss Mark Stimson, once again mixed his side up, bringing back eight players from the side that dispatched Burton Albion in the FA Trophy semi-final after resting them for the Weymouth fixture on Saturday.
After a fractious first half with limited chances, Marwa was sent off two minutes after the break for a second foul on Aaron McLean.
Skipper, Thurgood, made Grays’ numerical advantage pay mid-way through the half when he drilled home the visitors’ 50 away league goal of the season.
Six minutes later, substitute Hooper latched on to a searching ball from Jamie Stuart and lashed the ball past Paul Bastock in the St Albans goal.
Martin capped a fine passing move with the third, before St Albans top scorer Lee Clarke pulled one back for the home side, bundling the ball past Ashley Bayes. Hooper restored the three goal advantage in injury time.
Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the match report
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