Marriott proud to finish as Luton's top marksman

The 21-year-old forward had been tied with team-mate Cameron McGeehan in recent weeks for the club’s golden boot.

McGeehan then drew level again by scoring the first in Saturday’s 4-1 win, before Marriott hit back with two of his own to end with 16 goals to his name.

The summer signing from Ipswich said: “That’s something I’m very proud of as something I pride myself on is goals and to be the outright top scorer is very pleasing indeed.

“To get the goals I’ve had and to have a good minute to goals ratio is really quite pleasing for me.”

Marriott was quick to pay tribute to his team-mates for their help this season, particularly Craig Mackail-Smith and the departing Paul Benson.

He continued: “I’ve got a good relationship with Benno and Macka, they’ve played at Championship level, so I want to learn a lot from them.

“I’m always talking to them, see how I can improve and what things I can do.

“It’s good to learn from people like that, they’ve been there, they’ve done it, I’m still only 21 and still learning.

“To learn from those two has been good, I feel like I’ve learned a lot this year.”

With Benson now leaving the club after his contract wasn’t renewed by boss Nathan Jones, Marriott said: “Me and Paul have become very close over the year, as we live near each other, drive in together, I’ll miss him, he’s a good pro, and a good person to have around, so I wish him all the best.

“He’s played with similar players like me, so I think that’s where I’ve learned most of the stuff.

“He advises me on players he’s played with and things that they do and different sorts of movement more than anything.”

One thing Marriott hadn’t envisaged though back in August was finishing above Mackail-Smith in the scoring charts, as he said: “Not at all, he’s been unlucky a with a few injuries and put out (wide) a bit, which I feel for him.

“But I certainly didn’t see that coming.”

Although delighted by his own personal milestone, Marriott’s happiness was tinged with an element of frustration after Luton ended the campaign in 11th place.

He continued: “To miss out on the play-offs and I think we all expected and hoped for more this season, is bitterly disappointing, but we’ll only use that as motivation for next season.

“The gaffer has got us going in the right direction and we hope for big things for us next season. We’ll come back in pre-season flying and hopefully that will go forward into next season.

“We’ve got a good balance of youth and experience and hopefully we can make a few good signings in the summer and make us stronger.”