Boss Mellon prepares Town for a hostile trip
Manager Micky Mellon has prepared his Shrewsbury Town players for a hostile atmosphere when his team travel to take on Newport County tomorrow.
Mellon believes the Exiles have some of the best fans in League Two and, with the South Wales side looking to bounce back from two disappointing away defeats, the boss has told his players to be ready for a battle.
He said: "We are going into the game on the back of two wins so we are in good form but are fully aware Newport is a difficult place to go.
"When they came here they probably had the noisiest and best support we have seen at Greenhous Meadow.
"But they are also a good side. They gave us a tough game when they came here and I don't think it will be any different. In fact I know it won't.
"It's a tight ground, which makes for a better football atmosphere. The fans are right on the side of the pitch, but my players will enjoy it.
"It's a really important game for both clubs at this stage of the season."
Shrewsbury have only picked up 13 of their 51 league points away from Greenhous Meadow this seaso,n but Mellon believes their performances should have earned the more.
He said: "I think a lot has been made of when we lost two games back-to-back in October but that is a long time ago now.
"Since then I would put our away record against most teams in the division. The form has been fine.
"We will continue to keep the points kicking over and we will keep facing forward. We are happy with the way we are progressing."
The game is likely to see a debut for on-loan Sunderland frontman Mikael Mandron, with Mellon saying: "It's great to get someone of that quality into the building.
"Sunderland have high hopes for him so we are delighted he's been trusted to us."
