Micky Mellon delighted with Town performance
Delighted Micky Mellon paid tribute to his front players as Shrewsbury Town finally ended their home hoodoo.
Town's 2-0 win over Rochdale was their first at Greenhous Meadow in the league in eight attempts since October 24.
Shaun Whalley's fifth goal of the season and one from captain Nathaniel Knight-Percival on the stroke of half-time lifted Town two points out of the drop zone with a game in hand on Blackpool a place below them.
Mellon hailed his forwards as Whalley scored one and set up the other and Kyle Vassell was immense on his recall alongside Andy Mangan as the boss switched to 4-3-3.
"You look at our three front boys and they all can run, which you need in this division to make a dent in back fours," said Mellon.
"We found out very quickly in this league that you need that.
"We've got those three, plus Sullay Kaikai, Jean-Louis (Akpa Akpro) and Larnell Cole to come back, so we're adding all the time to the pace of that front line.
"Shaun's been a good player and one I've known for many years and I've always wondered why he never had the opportunities to play at this level because I thought he had the qualities to do that.
"He put in a terrific performance but I've got to mention Kyle Vassell as well - that was what you call work-rate.
"I said to him at half-time that you get these players sometimes who embarrass others into hard work because of the amount they do and the way he led that front line was terrific.
"We all saw that and he embarrassed a lot of people into that, plus he got hold of the ball and he ran in behind and so he can be pleased with his performance as well."
Mellon admitted a home league win was long overdue.
"We were pleased to get a victory because we haven't won enough games here this season so it was important we started to do that," he said.
Town were watched by 4,221 - the second lowest home league gate of the season and Mellon praised their efforts after they responded to his rallying call to get behind the team.
"I asked for the crowd to get behind us and I thought they were terrific as well so all round everyone can be pleased with their performance," said the boss.
