FRIENDSHIP will be put to one side for 90 minutes tomorrow as Andy Booth aims to celebrate his new contract by putting one over on Ronnie Jepson.

Former Town striker Jepson - who teamed up with Booth to spearhead the promotion campaign of 1994-95, when Neil Warnock's side climbed out of what is now League I by beating Bristol Rovers at Wembley - brings his Gillingham team to the Galpharm (3.00).

And with the 11th and 12th-placed sides level on 38 points (Town are higher by virtue of goal difference), both know victory is vital if they are to maintain hopes of making this season's play-offs.

Jepson's men, who beat Town 2-1 on the opening day down in Kent, come up the M1 on the back of an impressive 2-0 televised home win over Tranmere.

And they will have old boy Nicky Southall in the ranks after he agreed to leave League I rivals Nottingham Forest for a third stint at Priestfield. The acquisition of 35-year-old Southall, who has signed two-and-a-half-year terms, is especially timely for Jepson since midfielder Mark Bentley is ruled out by a one-match ban for five bookings.

Jepson has also extended the loan of Plymouth's French keeper Roman Larrieu, who will be the man between Booth and what would be a seventh goal of the season and 132nd in all for Town.

Whether he scores or not, Booth, who at 33 has been handed a deal to the end of next season, will be desperate to help Town better last Saturday's 1-1 home scoreline against Chesterfield and secure a third win in four matches.

"It would be lovely to get a goal, but the main thing is that we win," said Booth.

"It's great to be back in the top half of the table again, and we want to keep climbing.

"It won't be easy against Gillingham. Ronnie has got them well organised and they cause problems at set-pieces.

"We've been unable to get a win against them since he's been manager.

"But it's the perfect chance to put that record straight, and a third win in four games would keep the momentum going."

On his new contract, Booth added: "I'm delighted to have signed up, and I wouldn't have done so if I didn't think I had something to offer for another season.

"I've been feeling in good nick of late - I've been lucky so far this season to steer clear of any niggly injuries, and that's helped build up my all-round fitness.

"I still look forward to going to training, and we have a great set of lads at this club, and a good management team who are committed to taking things forward.

"But I think everybody would agree we are capable of more, and the immediate challenge is to finish this season as strongly as possible and see where it takes us."

Jackson is confident new loan left-back Andy Taylor will recover from the bout of illness which kept him out of training yesterday.

However, skipper Jon Worthington is ruled out, although the manager is still waiting to hear further news on his groin injury.

"Jon saw a specialist on Wednesday, but he wants to consult with a colleague before making his report," said Jackson, who will choose between Matt Young and Adnan Ahmed as a central midfield replacement.