Gaffer delighted to cause a cup shock
Micky Mellon talked about how pleased he was with Town’s performance as they ran out 2-1 winners against Championship side Huddersfield.Goals from AJ Leitch-Smith and Louis Dodds secured the victory in a battling team performance.
Micky Mellon felt his team were outstanding, against difficult opposition.
“It’s all about the players,” said Micky
“Probably the first half we allowed everybody to see what a good side Huddersfield are. But, we had a chat at half time and I just said to them, you’ve got to believe in yourselves and make sure you go and influence the game more, and get closer to people and believe that when we get it we can pass it better.
“They did that in the second half and they showed all the qualities that you need in order to beat an outstanding side.
“It’s right up there with the best results that we’ve had since I’ve been here. It was a quality performance and the lads take the credit for it.
“They’re all top Championship players, so it’s a fantastic performance, with real grit and determination and a lot of quality as well. We’re really pleased,” Micky added.
AJ Leitch-Smith scored the opening goal inside the first minute and Micky was pleased with how his team performed.
“It’s probably the quickest goal we’ve scored since I’ve been here, so as starts go that was right up there,” said Micky.
“But, then we sort of stood off them a little bit. We tweaked the shape in order to try and get closer to people and the lad’s just keep going and they keep battling.
“Second half is the type of performance we want to put in for the Shrewsbury fans and give them evenings like this, because it’s important.”
Louis Dodds scored the winning goal and Micky admitted his was delighted to have him at the Greenhous Meadow.
“I’m so pleased to have him here. We targeted him early. We knew the qualities he would bring to the group, so we’re delighted that we have that type of footballer here.
“He’s a really good guy as well. He’s a winner and along with the rest of the lads those qualities shone through.
Ivan Toney and Ethan Jones came on in the second half and both were involved in the winning goal. Micky is thrilled to have both in his squad.
“We’ve worked hard to get the big fella in and you will see what he’ll bring. But, I must say a special word for Ethan as well,” said the Gaffer.
“He really is blossoming. He keeps working hard and we’ll keep prodding him and pushing him. We’ll have another one on the conveyor belt there.
“He goes out and gives a performance like that, he’s unstoppable at time, so it’s great to know the youth setup is feeding the first team that type of quality of player.”
Town now look forward to the second round draw on Wednesday night.
"It's for the fans. We've had good cup traditions here, that the fans deserve, because they love their football.
"And tonight is all about them enjoying it, because they deserve that. And we will get ourselves dusted down, we won't get carried away.
"We will enjoy the next day, recover and then we will come in Thursday, Friday and prepare for another massive game at Coventry."