Grays looked substantially closer to a starting side in a promising 4-2 victory at the seaside.
Serge Mofoko produced a strong run early on but best chance went to Margate attacker who squandered a free header from close range.
For the fourth time in a week, Grays went a goal behind when after seven minutes keeper Nicholls dropped the ball from a corner. A desperate scramble saw a McLeod goal-line clearance ricochet off McSweeney back into the goal.
Grays nearly equalised three minutes later when Brad Thomas’ header was well saved by the Margate keeper.
Grays were back level on 15 minutes. McLeod slid the ball through to Slabber who forced wide right chipped an exquisite ball across to Brayley to head low into the net.
Grays started to take control of the game and should have gone further ahead in the 26th minute when Mofoko burst clear of the Gate defence: he rounded the keeper but with the goal at his mercy buckled and shot into the side netting.
Margate went straight up the other end. Grays gave far too much time and respect and blasted the ball past Nicholls from 20 yards.
If there is one constant after eight days that the need for a leader in midfield is going to be key. A gnarled experienced holding mid who will link the defence with attack. At the moment they are far too easy to walk through.
Haswell and Davis are producing class down the flanks but they will need class ahead of them.
By the end of the first half, midfielders McLeod and Mofoko were at walking pace when they should have been tracking back.
Grays started off the second half brightly. Mofoko walked around the right back passed square to Mcleod whose shot raced over the bar
In the 50th minute, Mofoko earned reward for his hard work as he latched onto a pass from Brayley and eight yards out picked his spot to put the Blues back in the game.
Mofoko on the left and Dumbaya on the right gave more balance to the Blues as they once again dominated.
In the 55th minute, Slabber put Grays further ahead with a simple tap in.
Grays rang the changes with classy Reggie Savage and Tommy Black on.
Margate, having lost 6-0 to Carlisle only last night started to wilt. Dumbaya was fouled in the box in the 65th minute and cooly slotted the pen home.
Grays should have increased the lead with both Dubaya and McLeod going close but they used the last fifteen minutes to let the ball do the work.
Grays Athletic
1.P.Nicholls
2.K Davis
3.J Lovett
4.B Thomas
5.P Vernazza
6.J Slabber
7.A MacLeod
8.B Brayley
9.M Haswell
10.S Mofoko
11.D McSweeney
