Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire born full back Ernie Marriott started his football career with Sutton Junction in 1933 and joined Brighton & Hove Albion in January 1934, making his Football League debut against Gillingham in April 1935. Initially a fringe player, he broke into the Brighton team on a regular basis in 1937, however his career was abruptly halted by the Second World War. He resumed his career after the War at The Goldstone Ground and played 2 further peacetime seasons, leaving the club to join non league Tonbridge in 1948 after 2 goals, both penalties, in 183 appearances for The Seagulls. He later played for Eastbourne United in 1951.