JOSH Cullen hopes to see City respond to their weekend “wake-up call” against Northampton tonight.

Cullen is confident they can bounce back from defeat in his home town Southend and honour Bobby Campbell’s memory with three points at Valley Parade.

The midfielder said: “Nobody likes to lose 3-0 but it can be a bit of a wake-up call to the lads.

“The score-line probably wasn’t a fair reflection but it was the first really disappointing day we’ve had in the league this season.

“But we’ve put that behind us and are focused on putting things right tonight.

“It will be emotional but as a player and a professional, once it starts you’ve got to take care of business like any other game.

“It’s going to be a special night and hopefully we can do it justice.

“The best tribute us players can pay to Bobby Campbell is by putting in a good performance and getting three points for him.”

Northampton’s visit means a return to Valley Parade for Paul Anderson following his deadline departure in August.

It will also reunite Cullen with his former West Ham team-mate Matt Taylor – and he admits City must be careful of the experienced midfielder’s threat from free-kicks.

“He’s a talented player and he’s had a great career that speaks for itself,” said Cullen.

“Matt made me feel welcome when I first went over training with West Ham’s first team. He was the sort of character who was brilliant to have around.

“I’m surprised to see him in League One because he’s shown his quality at the highest level. But I’m also not surprised because the reason he’s still there is that he loves the game.

“We’ve got to be wary of not giving away too many fouls around the box and giving him chances to score.

“He’s shown throughout his career how dangerous he can be from set-pieces with his left foot.

“It will be good to see him but hopefully I can have the bragging rights over him come the full-time whistle.”