CHERRIES boss Kevin Bond wants his players to transform Millwall's intimidating atmosphere into a Den of despair for the Lions faithful.

Bond's charges head to the capital for tomorrow's crucial relegation showdown with just one point and two places separating the League One strugglers.

And while the inhospitable surroundings of the Den are notoriously daunting for visitors, Bond is hoping Cherries can turn the tables.

He said: "If we stay together as a group and get the ball down and play then I think the confidence will grow.

"Then, all of a sudden, the crowd being intimidating can actually work to your advantage and to the disadvantage of the opposition."

Bond is also keen to play down the significance of the clash, despite the prospect of defeat leaving the losers in deep trouble. Cherries are rooted to the foot of the table, while Millwall are 21st.

"The players need to go out and express themselves," said Bond. "I can't be talking about must-win games or six-pointers because I don't go in for all of that.

"They are aware that it would be a good game for us to win and would give us a real leg up if we could get three points. But I try not to put extra pressure on them.

"It is another game, one of 46 in the league this season and we've got to focus on the job in hand. There are plenty of games to go and we're not going to get ourselves out of trouble or get relegated against Millwall but we could do ourselves a world of good by winning.

"Make no mistake, it's an important game for us because Millwall are in a difficult situation like we are.

"It can be quite an unforgiving place and we would like to give them as little encouragement as we can in terms of any easy goals and then hope that the frustrations set in, as can happen at home."

The Lions parted company with boss Willie Donachie at the start of last week, with caretaker Richard Shaw set to take charge of his first home game tomorrow.

Donachie, 56, was appointed in September 2006 - just weeks before Bond was unveiled as Cherries boss - and guided Millwall to mid-table safety.

Bond said: "They will be disappointed to be where they are but no one has a divine right to be anywhere.

"Sometimes, when you get off to a bad start, it's really hard to get you're season going again. They have decided to make a change and sometimes changing can make an impact and sometimes it doesn't. It remains to be seen if it works for them."