James Gray was delighted and frustrated in equal measure after St Albans City’s 3-0 win over Eastbourne Borough at Clarence Park.

Steve Wales scored with a wonderful strike from 25 yards and Simon Thomas netted after an excellent cross from Lee Chappell. Adam Watts, challenged by Jack Green, turned the ball into his own net to seal a 3-0 result.

It was a ‘masterful’ performance, according to the manager, but left him scratching his head because of the dreadful display in a 2-1 loss at Bishop’s Stortford three days earlier.

“We got three points and played really well but I’m dejected,” said Gray. “I can’t understand how we can go from one extreme to the other – it’s confusing me and the lads can’t put their finger on it either.

“It really was outstanding, especially considering the changes. We made a form side look average; they didn’t threaten us and we controlled the whole game – from 60 minutes onwards we looked very comfortable.”

He added: “Some times I have to do things to get a reaction. Deep down I know what kind of quality we’ve got here. It’s my job to get the best out of the lads each week and, at the moment, I’m failing because the quality and ability is there.

“We’ve let ourselves down too many times this season and dropped silly points – we’re better than the league table suggests.”

Gray singled out Wales and Jack Green for extra praise. The pair started on the bench for Saturday’s loss with an aim to them having an impact against Eastbourne, and it worked perfectly.

“Every change we made, they did a good job,” he said. “I said before the game that I was intrigued to watch Jack Green. He was unbelievable. For a lad so young, he’s got the world at his feet – he was a big plus.

“I thought Walesy was outstanding, and what a finish. He’s got that in his locker. He’s a great third-man runner from midfield but we don’t always play to his strengths. He really set us up to get going.”