Gills boss Martin Allen is hoping to see a backlash from his side following the Boxing Day defeat to Barnet.

The lead at the top of the League 2 table was cut to two points following a 1-0 loss.

Allen (pictured) said: “Everyone has been wounded.

"We know we can all do better and we have now got to get ourselves mentally, physically and tactically ready for Northampton.

“We know what they are about and we have to impose our own style on the game and play with real quality.”

Northampton’s game at AFC Wimbledon on Boxing Day was postponed. They pose a physical test for the Gills, with big striker Adebayo Akinfenwa leading the line upfront for them.

They head to Priestfield sitting 11th in the table.

“They are always going to be a tough team to play against, with the way they are, but I am not so much interested in them to be honest,” said Allen.

“It is my job to help our players and to try and get them back onto that top form, with self belief and the confidence to get it down and play, be competitive and together. We have to work together.”

The Gills have failed to win in any of their last three games at Priestfield and another slip-up could see them lose top spot in the table, a position they have held since the start of the season.

But Allen just wants to see his side put on a performance to be proud of.

“Something that needs to be looked at is the performances; that is what you want to be good,” he said. “There have been some really good ones, especially away at Rotherham a couple of weeks ago.”

The Gills are again expected to be at full strength for the match.

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