A late strike from Myles Weston calmed any fears on Tuesday night and boss Martin Allen hailed the front-man’s quality in front of goal.

It was a cool finish from the 24-year-old – his seventh of the season – and the goal settled the League 2 match against Northampton in Gillingham’s favour 2-0.

“He has been fantastic and has won us so many games by doing that,” said Allen, as he recalled the finish.

“It went in off the post and the old teaching books and manuals will say hit it across the keeper and aim for the far post. No goalkeeper could have saved that.”

Weston started the evening on the wing but late in the game Allen put him up front to feed off any balls coming in that direction.

“You’ve got to say it was a master tactical change,” boasted Allen. “He was playing on the left wing but he went up front because Cody was getting tired and doing an extreme amount of running.

“We put Myles up there, to be a threat, and to get in behind. It was very difficult to pass the ball and very difficult to find your feet. But we have seen him do that time and time again throughout the season and he wins us games.

“He was doing a great job, playing in front of Joe Martin and helping him defensively (on the wing) but we decided to make that change and put him upfront with that threat again, in behind their defence, and what a brilliant finish. What a great signing he has been.”