A CREWE fan overwhelmed by his side scoring a vital equaliser as well as the prospect of becoming a father ran onto the pitch at Gresty Road, a court heard.

Bobby Mellor was apprehended by stewards after he was spotted vaulting advertising hoardings so he could run to make gestures in the direction of the 1,260 visiting Oldham Athletic fans during the League Two clash on Saturday, February 8.

Mellor's behaviour brought him a three-year ban from his club's ground, which was imposed by South Cheshire magistrates along with an £80 fine.

Mellor, 22, of Hopeley Court, Crewe pleaded guilty to a charge of going onto a playing area at a designated football match without lawful authority when he appeared in court today.

Prosecutor Alison Warburton told the court the trigger for Mellor's misbehaviour was Crewe's 54th-minute leveller struck by James Jones soon after Oldham took the lead (Crewe went on to win the game 2-1).

A police spotter monitoring the Gresty Road home end saw a Crewe fan run onto the pitch who was then ejected by the stewards. Mellor was identified later from the CCTV footage.

"He was gesticulating towards the Oldham fans in the North Stand (Ice Creams Van Stand). He opened his arms in a "Come-on" type of style and made abusive signs with his right hand," said the prosecutor.

Mellor made a full admission to police. He told them he'd received some good news that his girlfriend was pregnant and he was "feeling happy".

He told police he had been motivated to go onto the pitch because Oldham fans were dishing out abuse.

Mellor, who was unrepresented in court, said that at the time of the offence he was living in Crewe YMCA.

"I suffer from anxiety and depression and my emotions just took over me that day. It won't happen again - I've got a little girl on the way," he said.

The football banning order means he will have to stay out of named Crewe town centre pubs four hours before and after Crewe Alex home fixtures as well as not visiting towns where Crewe are playing. Along with other conditions he will also have to surrender his passport before England international games.

Mellor also has to pay a victim surcharge of £32 and court costs of £85.