Mellon finds successful formula

The Shrewsbury Town boss saw his promotion chasers seal a well-deserved 2-0 win at Pompey with what he felt was his team’s best display since his summer arrival.

And on the evidence of their comprehensive victory at Fratton Park, the Scot looks set to steer the Shropshire club to promotion.

Mellon said: ‘I think there is a formula, but I can’t tell you what it is.

‘I don’t think there is an absolute formula but there is a way of giving yourself a better chance of winning games. We really try to stick to it.

‘The players know what it is that I expect of them and they know I will be into them if they don’t deliver.

‘We know that there are certain things that we need to do very, very well every time we step on a pitch.

‘We are second in the league and we are up there because we have done things that have garnered us points.

‘I won’t be getting carried away. It’s a fantastic win and the thing I drive into the players is that we take it a half at a time – not even one game at a time.

‘We keep the goals small.

‘We know that there is still work to be done.

‘But it’s probably the best performance and best result I have had since I came to the club. It was a complete performance.’

Mellon also felt his men had handled the pressure of the Fratton Park atmosphere and were thriving in their promotion bid.

He said: ‘We are enjoying it and I love it.

‘If someone told you that you could be involved in something like this for the rest of your managerial career, you would shake their hand and give them a big cuddle.

‘It’s always tough coming here. It’s an outstanding place to come.

‘I wish every ground was like that with atmosphere.

‘It’s a great credit to the Portsmouth fans that they support their club in that way.

‘It must be fantastic to be able to play in front of that every other week.’