Monday 27 October 2014 14:54, UK
Micky Mellon was all smiles after Connor Goldson's goal completed a fightback from Shrewsbury as they saw off Portsmouth 2-1.
It was the perfect way for Mellon's men, who have won their last four matches in League Two, to warm up for Tuesday's Capital One Cup fourth-round clash at home to Premier League leaders Chelsea. Jed Wallace's third-minute penalty after Mickey Demetriou handled gave Portsmouth a flying start at the Greenhous Meadow. But James Wesolowski quickly pulled Shrewsbury level before Goldson's 72nd-minute decider, which owed much to good fortune as what seemed to be an intended cross from 35 yards from the defender sailed over goalkeeper Paul Jones and into the top corner. "You've got to win games different ways and we showed that we were capable of winning in a different way," said Mellon, whose team have won nine and drawn one of their 10 home games this season. As for how his team secured three points via Goldson's fortuitous strike, Mellon stressed: "We kept saying put it into dangerous areas when we get the opportunities because when you're playing against two blocks of four and two front men you've got to do it with some quality and I think we would have to call that quality. "He's stuck it in there, he's made them defend and the goalkeeper on that occasion wasn't good enough to defend and it's gone in so we're absolutely delighted." Now Mellon and his underdogs are excited at the prospect of Jose Mourinho bringing Chelsea to Shropshire on Tuesday night in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 10,000. He added: "This stadium will be rocking, the TV cameras will be here and our players deserve to be able to go and take part in such a fantastic occasion. We're really looking forward to it." Mellon's post-match mood was much in contrast to Portsmouth manager Andy Awford who felt his men deserved some reward. "The second goal is a bit fortunate to say the least for them," he said. "You get those. Maybe our second goal against Cambridge at home at the start of the season was a bit fortunate for us and it earned us three points. "You've got to take the rough with the smooth. I'm disappointed and I'm a bit low because I thought we deserved more out of that game. "I thought it was a performance of heart and desire, of guts, and I don't think we deserved to lose. Did we deserve to win? Possibly not, but we certainly deserved a point." Breaking news, transfer gossip, line ups and goal alerts from your football club - delivered direct to your mobile. Sign up for Sky Sports Alerts
