RYAN Cresswell believes it is massively important Southend United return to winning ways against his former Rotherham United side at Roots Hall tomorrow.

Blues' hopes of promotion suffered a big blow when they were beaten by struggling Barnet in midweek.

And Cresswell, who joined Southend from the Millers at the start of this season, is now demanding the right kind of reaction.

“Losing like we did at Barnet was a huge disappointment and now it's massive we get the result against Rotherham this weekend,” said the centre-back.

“It's obviously a game I look forward to as it's against my old team and my home-town club.

“But I'm not concerned about that to be honest and all that matters is making sure we get the three points because we definitely need them.”

Blues head in to Saturday's showdown sitting ninth in the League Two table, five points below the play-off positions.

Rotherham are currently fifth and have played a game less than Southend.

And Cresswell is therefore fully aware that the team will need to play much better than they did against Barnet if they are to come out on top.

“We just didn't play at the levels we've set ourselves and it was very frustrating and disappointing,” said Cresswell.

“We need to do much better tomorrow and I'm sure we will put in a good performance.”

Blues will also be hoping an improved display can include a rare first half goal.

They have now gone 11 games without hitting the back of the net in the opening 45 minutes.

But Cresswell insists that is not playing on the team's minds.

“It's not something we're really thinking about and we don't worry about when the goals are scored,” said the defender, who made 43 appearances for Rotherham.

“It's important to try and get the first goal but it doesn't really matter if that comes in the first or second half and hopefully we'll get a few tomorrow because it's a huge game and we need a result.”