The visitors started well and didn't let the Reds into the game although Paul Mullin could have netted in the opening minute but saw his effort go wide after a good run by Lee McEvilly. There were appeals for a penalty from the Stanley fans after Ian Craney was brought down but the referee waved play on, much to the despair of the Stanley midfielder.
The rest of the half was bossed by Gravesend and Jon Kennedy had to be on top form to keep out several goal-bound efforts. Roy Essandoh finally got the goal that the visitors firmly deserved with one of the last touches of the first period and Stanley went in at half time a goal down.
The fans were hoping that Jon Coleman's half-time team talk would have inspired Stanley to get back into the game but just six minutes in Manny Omoyinmi had doubled the lead and Stanley found themselves in unknown territory. Could Accrington be sliding their way to their first home defeat of the season?
Once Lutel James was brought on the Reds started to get their attacking flair back and could have scored three times before Jon Smith headed home a consolation. Peter Cavanaugh's free kick was parried away by the Gravesend ‘keeper and when the ball fell to Smith, he took his opportunity to silence his critics well, heading the ball between two defenders on the line.
Stanley were now in it and for the last 30 minutes they had complete control of the game but it wasn't to be and Gravesend took all three points home.
Accrington Stanley: Kennedy, Cavanagh, Smith, Gerrard, Flynn, McEvilly, Craney, Jagielka, Brannan, Cook (James 54), Mullin.
Subs Not Used: Alcock, Banim, Howson, Howarth.
Booked: Gerrard.
Goals: Smith 70.