VIDEO: Micky Mellon eyes first Pompey win

Town make the 200-mile trip to the South Coast having never won, or even drawn, at the iconic ground in a record that dates back to the 1909-10 season.

And Shrewsbury players know they are in for a tough afternoon as they come up against a Pompey side tomorrow who will be roared on by a crowd of more than 17,000 passionate supporters.

But Mellon revealed he looks at all aspects of a club when plotting his way victory, including how a noisy home crowd can affect a game.

He said: "You have got to factor everything into your preparation – anything that can give you an advantage. You have to look at every detail.

"Fans, pitches, referees, the stage of the season, what the opposition is fighting for. They have got fantastic fans.

"They get right behind their team and really support them and drive them on. So that has been a factor in our preparation.

"But we know we are well capable of getting a result. It would be great to get a first victory there and we will be giving it the best shot we can. We are certainly looking forward to it."

Town have won four out of their last six games on the road and Mellon is satisfied with the team's performances both home and away in recent weeks.

He said: "I'm pleased with the form generally. We will never be satisfied with how we are playing and we will always believe we can do better.

"But the pleasing thing is that we are in good form at a really important time of the season. We are showing the qualities needed to pick up points at this crunch time."

Tomorrow's game sees captain Liam Lawrence return to Fratton Park, where he made 41 appearances in the 2011-12 campaign.

And Mellon is sure his inspirational captain will be get a warm welcome, saying: "Liam is looking forward to going back there.

"I'm sure he will get a good reception, because he is such a good professional."