HEREFORD United aim to avoid a mauling by the Lions in their first visit to Millwall’s New Den ground tonight (7.45).

The second-from-bottom Bulls picked up a first Coca-Cola League One away point at Brighton and Hove Albion in a goalless draw on October 18.

But Hereford, who suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Stockport County at Edgar Street on Saturday, fell 6-1 at Bristol Rovers and 4-0 at Oldham Athletic earlier in the season.

Boss Graham Turner has since tightened his team defensively but they are still struggling to score goals after their promotion from League Two last season.

The Bulls lock horns with third-placed Millwall, who lost 3-2 at Scunthorpe at the weekend, for the first time in 30 years and are not expecting a warm reception.

Turner said: “If things are going well for them, the Millwall supporters can be very vocal to say the least.

“They have always been renowned for that and have had the reputation for being real tough supporters. We will literally be going into the Lions’ den.

“But it’s one to look forward to. It’s one where the only people who fancy us will be ourselves.

“It will be a tremendous performance and achievement if we get something from the game but we are confident we can do just that.”

Hereford have been working on extending centre-half Bruno N’Gotty’s loan spell from Leicester City after the former French international impressed in his first month.

They are set to be without right-back Richard Jackson (groin) which is likely to mean a recall for Ben Smith in midfield with Kris Taylor moving back into defence.

Nick Chadwick and Bradley Hudson-Odoi are pushing for starts in attack.

Meanwhile, Evesham United entertain Gloucester in the GX Cup first round tonight, while Bromsgrove Rovers entertain Romulus and Stourport Swifts are at home to Cinderford Town (all 7.45).