FORMER Accrington Stanley favourite Jamie Speare has urged the town to give their club a final push for promotion.

Goalkeeper Speare, who returns to the Interlink Express Stadium with Southport tonight, is shocked that the club have struggled to sustain crowds of over 2,000, despite being top of the Conference since the end of November.

He knows the fanbase is there, having been involved with the club when crowds have soared beyond the 3,000 mark. And he has backed the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's We're Backing Stanley' campaign to remind the town their club is on the verge of making history.

"The club has got a better fanbase than what some of the attendances have suggested, and if the team do need a final push the supporters will have to play a big part in that," Speare said.

"I'm surprised that there aren't another thousand or so on the gates.

"This year is going to be an historic one for the club, and I would urge as many people as possible to get behind them."

Speare is expected to start in the United Co-operative Challenge Trophy semi-final tonight (kick-off 7.45pm) First team appearances have been limited for the 29-year-old, with Steve Dickinson being manager Liam Watson's first choice for all but two Conference games this season.

"I've played in the other rounds so I would like to think I'll be playing tonight," Speare said.

"It's been frustrating, especially because I'm not the best watcher in the world And it's worse when results aren't going well.

"But this is a good competition and it gives me something to look forward to."