Millington: “The occasion speaks for itself” ahead of New Year’s Day derby

Noah Millington says motivation is already at its highest as Blyth Spartans prepare for the all-important New Year's Day clash against Blyth Town at Croft Park.

Millington, who joined Spartans from Blyth Town earlier this season, admits there is an added personal edge to the fixture, but believes the significance of the derby alone is enough to drive the squad.

“Of course there is an added motivation playing against an old team,” he said. “But in a derby like this the occasion speaks for itself, so motivation is already as high as it can be throughout the squad.”

Spartans head into the New Year buoyed by victory on Boxing Day, a result Millington feels could prove pivotal as the side look to climb away from the lower reaches of the table.

“The mood is very positive,” he added. “It's a brilliant dressing room and game by game it seems to be clicking more. We knew the Ashington game didn't have to be pretty - all that mattered was getting the three points - and we're confident that can be the start of a more positive run.”

Millington also believes the recent win could mark a turning point in the campaign, following a run of narrow defeats and missed opportunities.

“It certainly feels like a turning point,” he said. “Although it's only one win, it feels like something that's been coming since I've been here. We've been very unlucky in a lot of games, so hopefully we've got over that hurdle and can keep building as a group.”

With a large New Year's Day crowd expected at Croft Park, Millington was keen to stress the importance of supporter backing in a derby encounter.

“The crowd are very important,” he said. “It's not lost on me what a big club I am representing, and the crowd give an extra push to the team - it really can feel like a 12th man.”

He also had a direct message for supporters ahead of the fixture. “As a group we're working really hard to get out of the situation we're currently in,” Millington said.

“Seeing a big crowd can really give us that extra push to get the job done for the fans.”