Defeat on the road for the Gas.
Second-half goals from Tommy Leigh and Ryan Astley condemn Rovers to defeat at Wham Stadium.
Shaun Whalley had the game's first effort at goal just past the 10-minute mark. Accrington goalkeeper Toby Savin launched the ball upfield to the Stanley no.7, who hit the ball on the half-volley and saw his effort crash against the base of the post.
Scott Sinclair was shown the first caution of the game from referee Tom Nield. Following a late tackle, Liam Coyle picked up Accrington's first yellow of the tie. The Stanley no.6 was late on James Connolly after the Rovers defender had regained control of the ball following a loose touch.
The half-time break saw a change in personnel for the Gas. Antony Evans made way for Ryan Loft for the final 45 minutes.
The hosts had the breakthrough five minutes after the restart. Rosaire Longelo clipped the ball into the Rovers penalty area, strong handball appeals from the Rovers players were waved away by the referee and Tommy Leigh was on hand to poke the ball into the net.
Rovers had strong appeals waved away yet again by the referee, this time for an alleged denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity, after Ryan Loft had beaten his man for pace and was hauled to the ground. Referee Nield brandished a yellow card to Harvey Rodgers.
The following free-kick was taken by Paul Coutts. The Gas captain lifted the ball into the box where it was met by the head of Connolly, who looked to direct his header towards goal but the ball was gratefully claimed by Savin.
More attacking changes were on the way for Rovers. Luke McCormick was replaced by John Marquis for the final 20 minutes of the clash.
Accrington scored their second goal with just over ten minutes to play. A corner kick was flicked on and Ryan Astley made no mistake with his right-footed shot from close range.
Next up for the Gas is the visit of Wycombe Wanderers to The Mem on Saturday, 24th January (3pm).
Accrington Stanley: Toby Savin, Ethan Hamilton, Ryan Astley, Liam Coyle, Shaun Whalley, Sean McConville, Rosaire Longelo, Harvey Rodgers, Aaron Pressley, Dan Martin, Seamus Conneely (c).
Subs: Lukas Jensen, Tommy Leigh, Alhagi Touray Sisay, Doug Tharme, Josh Woods, Leslie Adekoya, Baba Fernandes.
Rovers: James Belshaw, James Connolly, Sam Finley, Scott Sinclair, Aaron Collins, Paul Coutts (c), Antony Evans, Luke McCormick, James Gibbons, Luca Hoole, Josh Coburn.
Subs: Anssi Jaakkola, Harvey Saunders, Ryan Loft, Glenn Whelan, John Marquis, Lewis Gordon.
Attendance: 2,510 (554 away)
Referee: Tom Nield