In June 1936, Allen moved on again, this time to Reading for a fee of £820, but moved to Northampton Town in October 1936 after only 10 league games in which he scored seven times. He stayed for just over two years at Northampton, scoring 41 goals in 52 games, before moving to Torquay United in November 1938 in exchange (and as a direct replacement for) Jack Haycox.
In June 1936, Allen relocated to Reading for a payment of £820, but soon transferred to Northampton Town in October 1936 after playing just 10 league games and scoring seven times. He remained at Northampton for approximately two years, netting 41 goals in 52 matches, before moving to Torquay United in November 1938 in exchange for Jack Haycox.