David Ball talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United striker David Ball says the Millers must use last weekend’s result against Blackpool as a springboard heading into the busy festive period.
Ball bagged a brace last weekend as the Millers came from behind to record a 2-1 success at Bloomfield Road – a win which parachuted Paul Warne’s side back into ninth position.
Whilst the victory was a welcome boost, the former Manchester City striker has targeted a good run over Christmas, with back-to-back home games against Plymouth and MK Dons followed by holiday fixtures against at Bury and Walsall.
The 27-year-old says the Millers are looking to rediscover their blistering home form from the start of this season, and believes success on the coast will give them confidence going into the next batch of fixtures.
"The good thing about Christmas is that the games come thick and fast,” Ball told www.themillers.co.uk
"For us, coming off the back of the win at Blackpool, it has got everyone in good spirits again. You can see how happy everyone is at the training ground, we need to make sure that we build on that now.
"A good win at the weekend always spills into the early part of the week at training. The lads are all in good spirits to start with, and then the focus turns to the next game. It is equally important this weekend that we try and get another three points, but it won't be easy. It is important for us to try and get back on a run, and look up towards the top six.”
With the Millers back on home soil against Derek Adams’ Pilgrims this weekend, Ball knows league positions pale into insignificance in the highly-competitive nature of League One.
A return to the home form which saw the Millers command healthy wins over the likes of Southend, Oldham and Walsall earlier in the campaign is at the top of Ball’s wish list, as the Millers look to focus their attention at the top end of the division going into the New Year.
"The lads have been a little disappointed with recent home results, because we want our home to be a fortress,” he added.
“To compete at the top, strong home form is paramount. We had that kind of home form at the start of the season, so there is no reason why we can't achieve it again.
"Whilst Plymouth are near the bottom, we know that any game in this league is tough, and we also know they have got results against some good teams away from home. I'm sure the lads are raring to go though, we are all looking forward to playing again.”