Marriott Keen To Get Back On The Goal Trail

Jack Marriott says he’s determined to get back amongst the goals after playing a key role in Derby County’ 2-1 victory over Barnsley.

The striker fired Derby into the lead on the stroke of half-time with a close-range finish from debutant Wayne Rooney’s free-kick, before Martyn Waghorn went on to get the winner in the second half.

Marriott, who had only scored once this season prior to the clash with the Reds, had squandered a number of chances to break the deadlock as Phillip Cocu’s side dominated the opening 45 minutes.

The 25-year-old hit the back of the net 13 times last term, which included a brace off the bench in the Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg success at Leeds United in May.

After enduring an up-and-down campaign so far, Marriott is ready to kick on and establish himself in Cocu’s side on a regular basis.

“It was a sense of relief to get that goal because of the chances I had beforehand,” Marriott told Sky Sports after the game.

“I thought I was offside for one of the chances, when I was clean through, so it was a massive relief to get that goal before half-time.

“It was a long time coming for me and hopefully I can get some more now. Goals give you confidence and I would like to get some more and build on this.”

Marriott’s finish before the interval showed his typically predatory instinct in front of goal.

Rooney’s delivery from the left was perfectly floated into the path of the frontman, who guided the ball into the net with a first-time finish.

Marriott says the former England international’s quality on the ball, both from open play and dead ball deliveries, can only be a positive for Derby.

“Wayne is great and you can make any run in the world and he’ll find you,” he said.

“We know he has the quality and we’ll always get into the box.”

Marriott has made 68 appearances for Derby since arriving from Peterborough United in July 2018, scoring 15 times.