Treble star Mellon sinks League One Cobblers in FA Cup

Latics eased into the second round of this season’s FA Cup competition thanks to a well-deserved 3-1 win at home against League One Northampton Town.

They owed their win largely to a brilliant hat-trick from manager’s son Michael Mellon.

His opening goal with a spectacular overhead kick was worthy of winning any FA Cup match.

Tom Pett crossed from the right in the third minute and as the ball was cleared the 21-year-old loanee from Burnley saw his scissor kick go in to the goal at the Chaddy end past goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons.

The visitors were still reeling from this early breakthrough when Mellon struck again a minute later - Joe Garner providing an assist for Mellon to calmly knock the bar over Fitzsimons and into the net.

Latics, two goals up in the first five minutes of the game were in control and never surrendered that dominance for the remainder of the match.

Manager Mellon Snr had selected an unchanged starting XI from the side who grabbed a late draw against Shrewsbury, although on the subs bench as Will Sutton returned from a one match suspension.

Latics continued to seek to increase their lead in a first half where all players seemed on form.

Mellon had a couple of chances to complete a first half treble but Fitzsimons denied him, and Garner and Hannant continued to press.

Pett’s probing crosses from the right were a continual source of headache for a Northampton defence under pressure.

After being two goals ahead at the interval, five minutes after the break, the killer third goal from Mellon effectively settled the victory.

Two minutes earlier Oli Hammond looked to have scored but the referee ruled it out for a foul on the keeper.

But then a smart move down the right channel from Hammond saw him square the ball to Mellon who fired home.

Both sides huffed and puffed going forward but the Latics players were clearly enjoying their game before Mellon was substituted by his dad for fans favourite Mike Fondop midway through the half - Michael receiving a standing ovation for his excellent performance.

There was a slight cause for concern when Northampton scored what would be a consolation goal in the final minute of normal time, with Cameron McGeehan slotting home from close range,

But Latics saw out the nine minutes of stoppage time to earn the victory.

Manager Mickey Mellon was delighted with the display.

He said: “We scored first; we took our chances.

"We know that that is what has been missing for the last couple of weeks.

"In the other games it was about being clinical and taking the opportunities and getting results like we did today.

"We needed to win today and I am really pleased that we managed to do that for the supporters and the football club.”

On his son Michael Mellon’s five-star performance he gushed with pride, adding: “That is why we wanted to bring him here. He is a very talented boy.

"I am saying that as a dad and a manager.”

The FA Cup second round draw takes place on Monday.

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