Help us resurrect an historic chant to cheer Accrington Stanley on to victory.

On Stanley, On which was written by the two members of the Observer staff became a popular chant for supporters in the 1950s and early 1960s. And the Accrington Observer has tracked down a recording of the song which was made approximately 20 years ago by local band Red Dawn and the Stanley Choir.

We're hoping the tune will be sung by supporters young and old at the Crown Ground for the crunch play-off tie with Stevenage Borough.

Our reporters will be handing out song sheets before the game and capturing renditions by fans of the song for our website.

You can click on the 'play' button on the right of this page now to learn the tune.

The song was written by Harry Crossley and Allan Lamber in and was first published in the Accrington Observer on December, 12 1953 as the Reds competed in the third round of the FA Cup for the first time since the 1936/1937 season.

Harry, whose father and uncle Richard and Robert were owners of the paper, was an assistant editor and a lifelong supporter.

The song was recorded by the Accrington Male Voice Choir and was played over the loudspeaker at the Peel Park ground during the FA Cup match against Tranmere which ended in a 2-2 draw.

The Reds lost the replay at Tranmere four days later 5-1. Despite this the song became popular with supporters.

Jack Barrett, founder member of Accrington Stanley, is credited with saving and re-forming the club as it faced extinction in 1968.

He said: "I remember the song. It was a little ditty they played. It was like an emblem to get people behind the club.

"It would be special if they could play it again on Friday night for some of the supporters who remember it."

Former Accrington Observer editor Mervyn Kay said: "It was like the anthem for Accrington Stanley in the 1950s and 1960s. I don't remember the tune now but it was very popular at the time."

The last words of the song refer to Sir Walter Scott's epic poem Marmion. The Stanley referred to in the poem was Edward, the first Early of Derby. The poem is about the Battle of Flodden Field of 1513.

The song is no longer a regular anthem at the Crown Ground but is occasionally belted out by a cheerful supporter when the Reds need some encouragement.

Accrington Stanley chief executive Rob Heys said: "I've heard the song a few times. There is a lot of history associated with it. I am sure some of the older supporters remember it fondly and if people were to sing it again, that would be great."

On Stanley On by Harry Crossley and Allan Lambert:

Stanley's a team that we all talk about;

Their name and fame are spreading far and wide;

They're on the map, it's true.

They're sportsmen through and through

Are the gallant lads' in red who've turned the tide.

Chorus

On Stanley, on lads - on Stanley, on!

We'll cheer our heads off

When you get that ball in the net; and so it's

On Stanley, on lads; we'll fight until we've won.

Be sure we'll never be downhearted.

Cos it's on Stanley on.