Kel of a Day

KELVIN Mellor netted his first Argyle goal in their 2-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town – the sweetest of cherries on top of what the wing-back believes was an excellent team performance.

The Pilgrims were dead set on not letting any murmurs of Luton Town potentially defying the odds and usurping them for the final Sky Bet League 2 play-off spot affect their mentality at Greenhous Meadow, taking the lead inside of two minutes with a goal laid on by Mellor.

Played in by Anthony O’Connor, the wing back found space on the right flank to whip in a dangerous cross, expertly sent into the far corner by Bobby Reid. 

“I just wanted to get it in the box nice and early,” said Kelvin, “and hopefully pick someone out, and I’m obviously glad that Bobby was on the end of it!”

The Greens went on to create all manner of chances in the first half, and Mellor opened his account for the club by taking the last of those chances just before the break. A marauding run from his flank led to a through ball towards Zak Ansah, but the former Crewe Alexandra man followed his own pass and latched onto a scuffed clearance before calmly tucking home in front a packed house – including one very special onlooker. 

“It was a nice feeling,” said Kelvin. “I was running with the ball and no-one was coming to me. I tried to slip Zak in but it got cut out, and I gambled with the second ball. 

“I got hold of it and slotted it home nicely. With my Dad here at the game, it was nice – really nice.” 

Whilst he certainly played a starring role in one of the club’s best showings of the season, Mellor was keen to praise his teammates on their contribution to a committed, workmanlike 90 minutes at the Meadow. 

“I thought we battled well. They obviously played the same formation as us, so it was a case of either winning your battle or you’re not going to get the result,” said Mellor.

“I think a lot of people were at it today, especially in the first half. We dominated and took our chances. It was nice to get an early goal, which made it feel a little more comfortable with a full house here. I thought we played really well.

“There wasn’t really any pressure on us. There was more pressure on them because they were going for the league. They were out to prove a point, which backfired. We controlled the game well and, as a team, I thought it was a good performance.”