Gillingham were spared another home defeat with Luke Rooney scoring a late penalty in the 1-1 draw at Priestfield.
In what was a pretty dire game at Priestfield, Rooney’s spot kick in the 88th minute came just minutes after Accrington had taken the lead through Ian Craney’s strike.
Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler made three changes to the side that lost late at home to Shrewsbury Town the week before. Two were enforced with skipper Andy Frampton (dead leg) joining Jack Payne (knee) on the sidelines.
Out of the side went Curtis Weston too as in came Garry Richards for his first start of the season along with Joe Martin and Chris Whelpdale.
That meant Danny Jackman was pushed forward into the midfield with Danny Kedwell once again ploughing a lonely furrow up front on his own.
In what turned out to be a largely uneventful first half, two attempts from Charlie Lee were the only highlight. His early strike was easily saved whilst his header at the end of the half was cleared off the line.
The second half seemed to be going nowhere too when Ian Craney blasted home from the edge of the box.
At that point some Gills fans started to make for the exits, but there was to be late drama at Priestfield for the second time in seven days when Kedwell was upended in the box.
Unable to carry on it was down to Rooney to take the spot kick and his effort went in off the post to earn a point much to the relief of those in the ground.
FULL TIME: GILLINGHAM 1-1 ACCRINGTON STANLEY
Gillingham’s point sees them drop to eighth in League Two and next up they have the short trip to Roots Hall on Tuesday night to play Southend United.
Gillingham line up: Flitney, Fuller, Richards, Lawrence, Martin, Whelpdale (Spiller 79), Montrose, Jackman, Lee (S Payne 66), Rooney, Kedwell (Oli 88).
Subs not used: Fish, Weston.
Goal: Rooney (pen 88).
Booked: Jackman (45+1), Montrose (55), Martin (72), Rooney (90).
Accrington line up: Murdoch, Winnard, Hessey, McIntyre, Long, Procter, Lindfield, Joyce, Murphy, Fletcher (Craney 77), Amond (Moult 64).
Subs not used: Dunbavin, Bender, Guthrie.
Goal: Craney (84).
Booked: Hessey (34).
Referee: Mr Sheldrake
Attendance: 4,619 (54 Accrington)