The record books have been torn up at Cambridge City this season, by a former Norwich City academy player.

Eastern Daily Press: Adam Marriott in action for Cambridge City. Picture: Dave PettengellAdam Marriott in action for Cambridge City. Picture: Dave Pettengell (Image: Dave Pettengell, Cambridge City)

Adam Marriott has already plundered a huge 44 goals in 40 games for the Lilywhites this season.

Eastern Daily Press: Adam Marriott in action for Cambridge City. Picture: Dave PettengellAdam Marriott in action for Cambridge City. Picture: Dave Pettengell (Image: Dave Pettengell, Cambridge City)

The 23-year-old notched his 40th league goal in the Calor League Premier in a 2-0 win against Frome Town on Saturday – the equivalent level to that of King's Lynn Town and Lowestoft Town at step three of the non-league football pyramid.

The former Mildenhall Upper pupil, who is from Brandon near Thetford, wasn't quite able to make the grade at Cambridge United but is now establishing himself as a talented goal-scorer.

Cambridge City boss Gary Roberts said: 'He's a diminutive player, he has good movement, great natural control and the ability to take a man on.

'You never expect these sort of numbers (of goals), you expect him to do well, that's why we signed him, but perhaps he just needed that little drop down from the Conference in order to blossom.'

Former Brentford striker Roberts added: 'I've seen a lot worse players than Adam play league football, it's really up to him now how he wants to keep progressing.'

Roberts knows Marriott is going to attract plenty of attention in the summer but has the safety of knowing his club will be due proper compensation, because the striker is under 24 years old,

'I think Adam is in a good place mentally where he is at the moment,' Roberts said.

'We've given him the opportunity and the stage to show what he's about but if he decides to move on, or we decide between us that his future lies elsewhere, then he wouldn't be a Bosman free because he's under 24.'

Roberts added that he also hasn't given up hope of keeping his star striker, as his team are very much still in the running for the Calor Premier play-offs, in third place with three games to go.

Marriott, who was with the Canaries until the age of 15, is also playing alongside another former City academy product, Josh Dawkin.

The former Wales Under-21 midfielder is also enjoying a good season and has scored 13 goals in 47 games in all competitions.