CHERRIES captain Gemma Hillier has called on the squad to “inspire the next generation” in today's clash against Portishead Town, admitting it is not “just another game”.

A bumper crowd of around 6,000 are expected when Cherries’ women compete at Vitality Stadium for the first time this season.

The table-toppers are heavy favourites to get the win against National League Division One South West strugglers Portishead (2pm).

Steve Cuss’s side normally play at Ringwood Town’s Long Lane.

Discussing the record-breaking attendance expected this weekend, Hillier said: “It would be easy to say that it’s just another game, but it definitely isn’t.

“We know, as a squad, the pressures surrounding the game. The first pressure is from ourselves. The main thing is yes, it’s a great event, but we have to get three points.

“We know the pressures from the club that come from it, giving us the opportunity to play at Vitality Stadium is massive for ourselves, our families, our friends and for women’s football, not just in the Bournemouth area, but across the whole country.

“We know the pressures from the crowd watching will be that they want us to play well.

“There’s going to be little boys and girls watching that will want to play for Bournemouth when they’re older.

“It’s down to us to inspire the next generation.

“It's a massive game for us, we are so, so excited.”

She added: “We have found out this season that every team wants to beat us, because we are the real Bournemouth.

“We’ve been told to prepare in exactly the same way as we would do for any other matchday and therefore there’s no excuses for Portishead to beat us.

“It’s going to be their cup final.”

Hillier, 36, has played most of her football with Portsmouth, but admits this weekend will mark a new milestone in her career.

“I’ve played at Fratton Park a few times, but never in front of 5,000 fans, so it’s really exciting for all of the players and staff,” she said.

“Ultimately you’ve got to simplify it and it is just a game of football. It’s 11 versus 11, against a team in our league and we’re expected to win.”