The opportunity to move eight points from the relegation trap door was missed by Harrow Borough on Saturday as rock-bottom Grays Athletic came away from Earlsmead with a 3-1 win.

Having smashed top-half Worthing 4-0 in midweek, Steve Baker's men were brought back to earth with a bang as the visitors ran out comfortable winners thanks to a domineering second-half performance.

Only five minutes in, Matthew Baxter picked his spot from just inside the Harrow area to give Grays the lead, having been given all the time he needed to prepare himself.

For the second time in recent weeks Boro were then the beneficiaries of a spot kick following a clumsly challenge on Mark Charles-Smith, and with Josh Webb missing, Kurtis Cumberbatch levelled up from 12 yards.

Harrow had improved from their ropey start but, if anything, the equaliser stopped them in their tracks.

It wasn't until the 62nd minute that Grays deservedly re-took the lead, however, when Kieran Bishop outpaced Shaun Preddie before firing beyond Luke Williams.

A third from Bishop followed following a moment Harrow defender Andy Lomas will want to forget. His horror pass across his own area allowed the Grays striker a clear run on goal, and he ended any real hope of a home comeback with a simple finish.

Harrow will have the opportunity to put their weekend woes behind them when they travel to Wingate and Finchley tomorrow night.

Harrow: Williams, Ochoa, Lomas, Preddie, Brown, Cumberbatch, Bryan, Nicholas (Driver 63), Charles-Smith, Kabba, Babalola (Newman 80).

Not used: Eady, Laazizi, Webb.