A DALTON United striker scored his 600th career goal during their penultimate game of the season against Barrow Celtic. 

Gareth Jones, 43, has been playing for the club for 26 years, other than brief stints at Barrow AFC, Askam and Kendal. 

The club congratulated him on his achievement after he scored twice for the club's A-team in a 4-0 away win at Barrow Celtic on Monday (April 22).

The team is currently in division two of the Furness Premier League but is set for promotion after the win.

The first team, which Jones played for until Dalton started the A-team this season, is in the West Lancashire Football League. 

Jones, who lives in Dalton, works in IT support at BAE. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Gareth Jones (centre bottom) with Dalton United A Team after their away win against Barrow CelticGareth Jones (centre bottom) with Dalton United A Team after their away win against Barrow Celtic (Image: Dalton United)

He said he became such a prolific goal scorer through practice but also praised his team.

Jones said: "I love shooting and training. I need the help of my team mates. My team mates are doing all the hard work. All throughout career people have provided assists to set me up to score - it's all about my team mates. 

Jones said Dalton has lots of players and although he will 'never retire' - he is not needed. 

When asked if he will play next season, he said 'unlikely', but admitted his family and friends tell him that he says that every season. 

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He said the team is in a good position as one of the biggest clubs in the area and praised the first team. He is also involved in the women's team at Dalton. The club shared a photo of him holding a trophy with his three girls. 

In terms of goals he is most proud of, Jones said: "Last night was a special one - it's always the last one that is the best one." 

According to the Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF), which collects international statistics about football and factors in goals scored by famous players when they were in lower and amateur leagues, Jones has had more career goals than Luis Suárez (563) and Zlatan Ibrahimović (582) as of December 31 last year.