Manager reflects on the game against Chelsea
Manager Micky Mellon was left with nothing but pride after Shrewsbury Town's performance in the Capital One Cup 2-1 defeat at home to Chelsea on Tuesday night.Backed by over 10,000 supporters in the Greenhous Meadow, and playing in front of the live Sky Sports cameras, Town battled back from a goal behind as striker Andy Mangan equaliser Didier Drogba's opener.
A late cross from Willian managed to find it's way all the way in for Jose Mourinho's side at the end, ultimately sending Chelsea through to the quarter-finals of the competition.
And Micky admitted he was suprised to feel disappointed at losing to the Premier League side despite Town's heroic effort.
“I am hugely disappointed because we pegged it back to one each and the way we played - we did so well," said Micky.
“I can’t believe I’m stood here and I’m disappointed we haven’t beaten Chelsea, but I couldn't be more proud of the players.
“I asked them to get it down and play it and to make the most of that chance. We knew we would have to concede possession at times but we made it very, very difficult for them.
“We caused them all sorts of problems which is great credit to my team
“They (Chelsea) are bringing on £300 million of talent but need to run the ball into the corner to try and kill the game.
“You have to give my players unbelievable credit for that. They all ran themselves into the ground. To a man they all come out of the game with tremendous credit because they all did exceptionally well.”
Mellon was also delighted that substitute Mangan gave the home crowd a goal to cheer about on an incredible night at the Greenhous Meadow.
Micky said: “I am delighted for Andy but it was great to give the fans something to cheer and to get them off their seats and hear them roar.
“To get them off their seats was what we wanted to do tonight and I’m sure they will go home this evening and be very, very proud.
“We have had an amazing Capital One Cup adventure but we are out. We have made a lot of friends along the way, we have played in a way that has been pleasing on the eye and beat some very good teams.
“But we dust ourselves down now and go again.”