Eastbourne had struggled to break through a stubborn St Alban's defence but the turning point came just before half time.

St Alban's James Quilter was shown a straight red for an elbow on Boro's Marc Pullan and Garry Wilson's men took full advantage.

On 55 minutes man-of-the-match Paul Armstrong opened the scoring when he finished off good work by Matt Crabb and Scott Ramsay.

Ramsay then bagged his third goal in two games when he headed home Matt Crabb's cross.

Substitute Nathan Crabb then netted with eight minutes remaining before Armstrong added the fourth from the penalty spot.

Boro remain one point behind Blue Square South leaders Lewes with one game in hand, but their comprehensive victory has given them a better goal difference than Lewes.

Meanwhile Eastbourne Town suffered a 2-1 defeat at the Saffrons to Cray Wanderers.

The visitors took a deserved lead when Michael Power found the bottom corner on 30 minutes. They extended their lead on 55 minutes after a defensive howler from Peter Featherstone.

Power capitalised on Featherstone's mistake and lobbed the ball over Greg Nessling.

Town pushed forward and John Piercy missed a sitter from two yards before Liam Baitup notched his 20th of the season with a header from Alex McKay's cross.

Town were not at their best and could not force a leveller. Danny Simmonds and Simon Catt both picked up bookings at the end as Town became frustrated.

In the Sussex County League Eastbourne United AFC lost 1-0 at Whitehawk and Hailsham Town drew 2-2 at Selsey.