Before this game, both sides had got a total of 15 games without tasting victory but Grimsby showed little sign of a side lacking in confidence.
Both sides had three players on loan making their debut with Grimsby's trio generally taking the eye.
Grimsby officials had appealed for the supporters to re-kindle the spirit of '98 on Alan Buckley's first home game in charge since his return. In that unforgettable year Buckley twice led the Mariners to Wembley where they were successful on both occasions.
Pass and movement is the philosophy Buckley preaches and his side played some lovely football to put Accrington on the back foot almost on kick-off.
Man of the match Martin Patterson put them ahead on 12 minutes with a tap-in after earlier shots had been blocked and the second goal to ease the nerves arrived on 56 minutes courtesy of fellow striker Gary Jones.
The big man surged through past several challenges and hit a sweet shot with the outside of his foot into the bottom corner.
Grimsby might have had more goals but were pleased to keep only their second clean sheet in the league this season - and their first at home.
Their cause was aided by some woeful and wayward finishing from Accrington who, unless they start scoring goals, are going to be in serious trouble and contemplating an immediate return to the Conference.
Just before Grimsby's second goal Andrew Todd wasted an almost open goal and they had other opportunities to score.
For Grimsby, who were third from bottom at the start of the day, this win will do their confidence no harm whatsoever and, although out of the FA Cup, they will be relishing the visit to fellow strugglers, Barnet, on December 5.
Meanwhile Accrington will have a break from League duties for a Johnston's Paint Trophy match against Doncaster in midweek.