Hurst feeling home alone

JACK MARRIOTT is confident his family will not stop talking to him, even though he scored the winner against their beloved Sheffield United.

Marriott’s auntie was trying to enjoy her 50th birthday with the family – but her nephew popped up on TV with a classy finish.

Derby boss Frank Lampard signed Marriott from Peterborough in the summer after the striker finished as League One top scorer last season with 27 goals.

The 24-year-old has often had to watch from the bench while David Nugent has played, but Lampard started his signing here.

Marriott is an East Yorkshire lad so he has no loyalty towards the Blades and admitted enjoying the moment.

He said: “Basically my whole family support Sheffield United! My parents are from around there and my grandpa too.

“I was born in Beverley. My dad was always in Sheffield and his side of the family. My cousins are from around the Sheffield area and they are big Blades fans too.

“To score against them was quite pleasing.”

Asked if they will still talk to him after this game, he said: “I’m sure I’ll get a text from my dad.”

On his fight for a starting place, he said: “I’ve spent a lot of the season watching Nuge play and I know I’ve got to take my chance when I’m in.”

Marriott made his mark within 19 seconds, providing the assist for Craig Bryson’s opener.

The Blades replied when John Fleck produced a stunning run past four defenders and crossed for Chris Basham to tap in.

Marriott had the last laugh, though, when he flicked in late on from Craig Forsyth’s cross.

Fleck admitted there had been a frank post-match exchange in Sheffield United’s dressing room.

The Scot said: “It was a big game for us and we’ve lost it. There are a lot of big characters in there and they all want to win.”