It was Stanley's fourth win in five games as John Coleman's battling side continued their battle to avoid relegation.
Ryan's superb first-half free-kick was the difference between the two sides as they downed Darlington on their home patch.
And with the victory, Stanley remain on track to avoid the dreaded drop out of League football.
Ryan struck in the 22nd minute as the hosts dominated the first half, but Darlington gave as good as they got, especially in the second period.
Former Morecambe striker Danny Carlton, arguably one of the visitors' best players, had the clearest of them.
But the hit-man saw his powerful shot brilliantly blocked by Phil Edwards moments before Ryan struck the opening and ultimately winning goal.
Heavy rain meant that playing conditions were really bad for both sides, so it made Ryan's dead-ball kick all the more impressive.
A wicked deflection nearly caught Darlington keeper Andy Oakes off-guard, but the shot-stopper saved well when off balance.
However, no matter how hard they tried, even with further chances for Carlton, it was Stanley who held on for the points.
In the last minute of the game Carlton had a close-range shot excellently saved by Stanley keeper Kenny Arthur.