Just before he made his goalscoring home debut in the FA Cup against Ilkeston last month, 18-year-old Adam Marriott was asked about his aims for this season and responded: "Keep playing for CRC, score as many goals as possible and hope the gaffer notices."

The gaffer, not to mention the supporters, had noticed. Overcoming a frustrating opening month punctuated by niggling injury, 21 goals in all competitions since for the ever-improving scholars tells an impressive story, but not a complete one.

Playing in a role withdrawn from the striker - often Jack Bailey - Marriott's influence on the team has been more far-reaching. Supporters who have witnessed the progress of the scholars in league and cups will surely attest the forward is a focal point, but a point in perpetual motion. The Mark E. Smith of the attacking ranks, complementing and complemented by Luke Berry behind, Bailey in front and Jordan Patrick on the flanks.

Afforded a free role, which he is aware he may have to relinquish in the first team, his mantra is simple: "I try and get the ball as much as I can." And, so far, it has worked.

Sometimes, when watching a player, it's easy to assume in one's mind that on-pitch flamboyance equals a similar demeanour off the pitch. While such assumptions are frequently wide of the mark, what I expected from Adam Marriott was just what I found.

His confidence appears to have risen dramatically since we spoke in the late summer of 2008. Then, the talk revolved around "getting a pro". A year later, with his CV now reading 'professional footballer', the challenge is a marginally different one.

Head now above the parapet of professionalism, the aims are more fluid - challenge for the first team, get in, stay in, stay on. The job remains one fraught with pitfalls but Marriott's character is one of a young pro making the most of the challenge, and trying to enjoy it too.

Reaching his current position has been firmly in mind since December 2006. Aged 15, and having the previous summer moved with Cambridge City's youth set-up to The Abbey, Marriott made a starting debut against an experienced Mildenhall Town team in the Ridgeons League.

Having been awarded a scholarship, his first-year campaign brought 14 league goals and last term he managed 26. For much of the successful 2008-9 season, Marriott was playing alongside a traditional number 10 - first Brad Hunter and then Bailey.

He notes, "I got used to playing with a big man, but I think in the first-team playing with (Chris) Holroyd would be easiest."

It all seems to come easily for Marriott, but now he has made a goal-shaped mark on the first-team scene, he is prepared for matters to become more difficult: "The tempo is higher in the first-team and it's going to be hard - there are three or four quality strikers, so I've just to keep banging the goals in."

The attacker, known affectionately and widely as 'Maz', may have to bide his time in search of a regular first team spot, but the moment he does cement a place will be the signal for Ridgeons League defences to finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Unfortunately for them, the production line doesn't stop here.

Henry Milward

Previous Featured Player articles

Anything to say about the interview? Make your click count for the U's by discussing it on the Message Board!

You are respectfully reminded that any article, as with all content on this website (unless otherwise stated), is subject to copyright and the Official Cambridge United Website must be acknowledged as the original source.

AT091210