Rushden & Diamonds wasted two penalties but still enjoyed an easy victory at increasingly doomed-looking Grays Athletic.

Aaron O'Connor seized upon Lee Tomlin's pass to open their account six minutes before the break.

A foul on Tomlin later saw Michael Corcoran's penalty saved by Richard Martin, who was though beaten as Corcoran quickly made amends by heading in from the subsequent 72nd minute corner.

Home keeper Martin then brought down substitute Craig Farrell for a second penalty nine minutes later, and although Jefferson Louis' spot-kick was saved, he recovered to net the rebound.

Grays Athletic: Martin, Hunt, Glowacki, Hoyte, Zola, Baker (Rhodes 58), Dean, Vernazza (Wilson 79), Graham, Guy, Gray

subs (unused): Edwards, Bunce, Davis

Rushden & Diamonds: Roberts, Corcoran, Stuart, Downer, Robinson, Porter, Terry (Wolleaston 78), Byrne, O'Connor (Farrell 74), Louis, Tomlin (Pattison 84)

subs (unused): Day, Smith

Goals: O'Connor (39), Corcoran (72), Louis (81)

Ref: Alun-Wyn Davies (Southampton)

Att: 476