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Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler knows his team have to nullify Adebayo Akinfenwa

By: Alex Hoad

Published: 06:00, 27 April 2012

Gillingham striker Adebayo Akinfenwa

Neutralising the threat of League 2 golden boot chaser Adebayo Akinfenwa will be Gillingham’s key aim this weekend.

The 17-goal striker will be out to end the Gills’ play-off hopes as Andy Hessenthaler takes his men to Northampton for their penultimate game of the season.

Only a win on Saturday will do if the Gills are to maintain any realistic hope of winning a play-off place.

Akinfenwa (pictured) hit 11 goals for the Gills last season and helped strike-partner Cody McDonald to many more during his year at Priestfield.

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Gills boss Hessenthaler tried to keep the 6ft, 14 stone striker for another season but instead Akinfenwa opted to return to his old club Northampton.

Hessenthaler, more than anyone, knows the danger the man-mountain poses.

"He is a threat and that will be key for us defensively," said Hessenthaler.

"Play goes through him and he is strong. The higher we can keep him up the pitch the better.

"They have some good players in there alongside him but he has been key to their success of late because he has been the one scoring the goals."

How should Gillingham try to contain Adebayo Akinfenwa? Have your say below.

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