Jim Gannon's final game in charge of Port Vale was very much a disaster from start to finish.
Vale were all at sea with another of Gannon's confusing strategies and bewildering selections.
Out went Lee Collins, Gareth Owen and Anthony Griffith, and Gary Roberts didn't even make the bench! But Bristol Rovers loanee arrived just in time for his debut.
But Vale started poor and got worse. Accrington finally took their inevitable lead on 43 minutes, with a shot from Sean McConville that went in a bit too easily after a back-heal from Ian Craney. 1-0.
Vale's best chance was in the second half when Marc Richards headed wide. But the game was all over when substitute Sean Rigg was sent off after the ref saw an elbow as he innoculously challenged Phil Edwards for a header.
Stanley then hit two late goals. Craney banged in a second on 87 minutes, and Andy Proctor poked home a third on 90.
The Vale fans chanted for Gannon's head, and taunted Exodus Geohaghon for his poor performance. Exodus had to be pulled away, and has registered a complaint over racist chants.
Gannon exited by a side-gate.
A sorry end.
Vale fall to 8th, out of the playoffs for the first time this season.