Harvey Biljon believes defeat against Blackheath last Saturday has helped “sharpen the edges” for his Rotherham Titans team ahead of today’s crucial top-of-the-table clash with Plymouth Albion at Clifton Lane.

Titans saw their advantage at the top of National One cut by defeat at the third-placed Londoners, but the fact they hung around and snatched a losing bonus point late on meant they preserved their place in the lone promotion spot with four games remaining.

That single point advantage over Plymouth could be crucial come season’s end and Biljon believes the nature of last Saturday’s game gives them an advantage going into today’s high-stakes encounter.

“I wasn’t too downhearted last week,” he said. “We faced a bit of adversity leading into the game, faced some challenges within it and still managed to come away with a point from a place that is a difficult one to go to. The character of the group really stands out from a tough arm wrestle.

Rotherham Titans face Plymouth Albion today in a huge game at the top of National One.

placeholder image — Rotherham Titans face Plymouth Albion today in a huge game at the top of National One.

“In all the games we’ve lost this season we’ve been able to pick up a point and I think that’s really important.

“And what a great time to play Blackheath because it gave us the chance to identify where we need to sharpen the edges. That’s given us a couple of training focuses that we can take into Plymouth.”

As someone who imparts into his players the importance of taking it one session and one game at a time, sticking to their routine has been crucial this week.

But even Biljon cannot ignore the importance of today’s game and the excitement it has generated.

“It’s first versus second, it sells itself,” he beamed.

“If you’re in the Rotherham area and want to watch a real contest, physical, fast-paced, two teams really battling out, Clifton Lane is where you need to be.

“I’m not going to be walking into that dressing room talking about how big this game is going to be, I shouldn’t need to, the players know what the game is about, they don’t need me to sell the importance.

“I’ll be going in there to make sure we’re on point.”

On the occasion as a whole he added: “Touch wood the weather’s good, we’ve seen the sun for the first time in six months, I’m hoping it’s going to be a real good atmosphere.

“You talk about pressure - this is why we do it. It’s about embracing the occasion, this tension, this excitement, this is why it’s so brilliant.

“This is why seasons with promotion and relegation are so exciting.”