DIVISION 1's most unlikely strike force head for Norwich on Saturday determined to further endorse their burgeoning reputation with more goals.

When player-manager Andy Hessenthaler’s best-laid plans to partner Rod Wallace with Tommy Johnson were hit by injuries, he could not have imagined that replacements Guy Ipoua and Mamady Sidibe would have connected with such an impact to become heavily influential in the club’s dream sequence of early results.

A totally unknown quantity to opposing defences, Gillingham’s surprise twin-spearhead have developed a rapport that threatens to unhinge the most rigid of defences, including the Norwich rearguard who have conceded one in three.

Minus the physical presence of 6ft 3in Malky Mackay, who is injured, Norwich manager Nigel Worthington looks likely to include the lightweight Darren Kenton at the heart of a defence.

He may well prove vulnerable to the height, pace and strength of the Gillingham duo.

Having scored two winning goals in a week, the games cannot come quick enough for Ipoua who is thriving in his new partnership with the man from Mali.

Defining the reasons why they have developed into an overnight success, Cameroon-born Ipoua explained: “We speak the same language and come from the same French system so we play the same style of football. It is thanks to Big Mama that I have scored two goals."

Hessenthaler expects to name an unchanged side to face second placed Norwich. Midfielder Simon Osborn is expected to have recovered in time from a slight Achilles problem.