Captain Carlton Morris spoke before derby day about how these are the weeks he will miss when he hangs up his boots – and afterwards he could bask in the glory of how his golden goalscoring run continued to secure another home win over Watford.

Carlton was given the freedom of the six-yard box to nod in the Hatters’ second goal two minutes after half-time of his second successive derby win, having played in the 2-0 success during the 2022/23 campaign.

“I love these games,” he said afterwards, “so to get another win in it, especially at our place in front of our fans, I think they deserve that.”

Our striker had told how training in the build-to Saturday had gone up a notch, and he explained further: “The lads give it 110 per cent in training every day anyway, but their energy, it’s derby week, it’s just been a bit different this week.

“For it to come to fruition like that, in a 3-0 win at home, it’s what dreams are made of. I’m just delighted that we’ve given ourselves, the staff and the fans something to cheer about.”

The atmosphere inside the Kenny was electric, and the 29-year-old could not emphasise the home crowd’s importance more: “It is cliché to say, but they are our 12th man – it gives you extra energy.

“I can tell you from experience. When I feel like I’ve got nothing left and they get going and get behind you, it gives you that extra boost, so it’s important that we give it back as well.”

He also found time to praise strike partner Elijah Adebayo, who despite not finding the net, produced an all-round performance of the highest order as the pair linked up to devastating effect.

“That’s our game, me and the big fella, we’ve built up a lot of rapport over the last couple of years and when we’re at it, I like to think there’s not many who can deal with us,” said Carlton.

“I think that showed today, but it means nothing without the backline being as solid as they were, and the midfielders being all over the seconds and thirds. It just all came together today.”

And after scoring his third goal in 60 on-pitch minutes, with his brace against Sheffield Wednesday last month being his last outing before Watford, Carlton added: “I’ve been sidelined with a slight injury for the last few weeks, so it meant so much to come back today and come back and make a positive impact for the boys.

“I’m getting back to my best, so I feel I’m in a really good place.”