BOSS Eddie Howe is looking forward to “two special games” as Cherries prepare to bring down the curtain on another tumultuous season at Dean Court.

A home victory over Carlisle tomorrow together with a win at Tranmere next Saturday would earn Cherries a place in the second flight for only the second time in their history.

Howe said: “Our next two games are certainly going to be up there with the most memorable ones in recent seasons. The Chester and Grimsby games when we stayed up will always stick in my mind as two of the biggest occasions. Although it was a horrible pressure and they were horrible games to watch, they were both great outcomes.

“Regardless of the outcome, the next two games are going to be special because the players have worked so hard to get into this position. Hopefully, they will get their just rewards at the end of it.”

Howe knows Carlisle will provide stern opposition and was among the crowd at the Keepmoat Stadium 10 days ago to see the Cumbrians register a shock 2-0 win over leaders Doncaster.

He said: “We are under no illusions. They have lost one in nine and are on a really good run of form so will be coming here very confident. It is going to be a really difficult game, probably one of the most difficult we could face.

“They will play with a little more freedom because they are under no pressure as such. There is always self-motivating pressure on individuals to perform well so there will certainly be an element of that. Notts County came here a fortnight ago and played with real freedom.

“Although we eventually wore them down, it made for a really difficult afternoon for us. I expect no different from Carlisle and we are certainly anticipating a tough game. Greg Abbott's teams always play good football and I am sure they will be determined to do their best.”

Howe's men will also be out to set a new club record of consecutive league victories after the 3-0 win at Shrewsbury six days ago saw them equal the previous best from 1971.

“It is an excellent record and just goes to show how difficult it is to win consecutive games,” said Howe. “We said we wanted to win our final nine games and, although that was the aim, you are never sure it is going to be realistic, especially with the tough games we had in the spell. 

“The players have been excellent and we have still got two games to go. Whatever happens, I am proud of the players to have got this far.”

Asked whether he had noticed a “buzz” around Dean Court, Howe replied: “I have noticed a buzz about the place for a while. People are getting excited towards the end of the season and you can certainly feel a buzz among the players. They are in really good spirits at the moment and the group are in a good place.

“They have trained very well this week in preparation for what will be a very difficult game. I am sure I speak on their behalf when I say we can't wait for the game to start.

“It will be a sell-out the crowd and they will be very supportive behind us. The whole town is united in trying to win these last two games and, hopefully, we can use that positive energy to spur us on to a really good performance.”