Striker Jack Marriott was delighted to help Derby County to all three points against Middlesbrough on his return to the starting line-up.
The 25-year-old has missed a number of games so far this season with recurring injuries which have prevented his appearances for the Rams.
Manager Phillip Cocu handed the striker his first start since the 1-1 draw against Leeds United back in mid-September, and he marked his return to the side with an impressive showing.
He led the line, along with Chris Martin, and was part of a dominant Rams side which beat Jonathan Woodgate’s side 2-0.
Tom Lawrence opened the scoring for Derby midway through the first half with a lovely finish, whilst 10 minutes later Boro were reduced to 10-men following George Saville’s dismissal.
The Rams had to wait patiently for their second but their pressure finally paid off in the 84th minute as Lawrence secured all three points.
“It was great to be back out there after a little injury,” Marriott admitted, speaking to RamsTV. “I came on against Hull City last weekend but to be on from the start is great and to get the three points and the win was even better.
“It’s been difficult when you get a little setback but I’m back now and I’m only looking forward. I felt good out there today which is great and coupled with a good performance, it’s only a positive.
“They were two very well taken goals and like the whole team, we played well today.”
Cocu’s decision to play two in attack paid off for the Rams as both Marriott and Martin looked dangerous every time they went forward.
It’s the first time the manager has chosen to play two strikers together up front from the start this season and Marriott was pleased with how it went.
“Opposite styles work well together so playing as a partnership worked well and I enjoyed it,” he said.
“Our first game playing together was out in Florida in a pre-season game so we have a good understanding and it’s almost natural instinct to work well together.
“When Martyn Waghorn came on as well, we still looked dangerous and I enjoyed it out there today.
“We have got a strong bond between the group. We will constantly be fighting to put the away form right and we will give our all next week and do our best to win the game.”
And next week, the Rams head to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest in their final game before the November international break.
“We will all be ready, as you would expect,” Marriott commented. “It’s as big a game as there is for us and for the fans so we will go there after a good win, make sure we are positive and we are all looking forward to it.”