Mike Jones admitted it was “quite special” to score a stunning goal in front of the live TV cameras and said he enjoyed sharing the moment with his family.

The Carlisle United midfielder’s 30-yard effort against Dulwich Hamlet was the highlight of the Blues’ 4-1 FA Cup first round win.

It came live on BBC2 and Jones said it was rewarding after what he described as a tough time on and off the pitch.

“It’s not something I want to go into too much detail about but I’ve had a little bit of a problem with my little man, so it was nice to get a goal for him,” Jones said.

“When I pick him up, he always asks if I’ve scored. I always have to tell him ‘no’, so it was nice to actually tell him I scored this time.

“He kept saying, ‘Daddy’s friends didn’t score’ and I had to tell him they did as well…

“I think his mum showed him quite a few times. He’s been asking to see it time and time again!

“Your family and friends don’t get to watch you very often so it was nice it happened on telly. They probably think I can do that every week so they’ll be very disappointed!

“It was quite special. It’s been a tough time lately off the pitch and on the pitch, a culmination of quite a few different things. It’s definitely my nicest goal for a while.”

United’s third goal was only 32-year-old Jones’ third in a blue shirt since his move to Cumbria in 2016.

All three have come in different competitions – League Cup, League Two and now FA Cup – and all from outside the box.

Jones admitted he revelled in the attention he received after scoring with the goal ending any serious fears of an upset at Champion Hill.

He said: “Being live on telly, it was nice, and the phone didn’t stop all weekend.

“The bigger picture is that we got the job done [as a team] and did it in quite nice style.

“It happened so quickly. Jack [Iredale] was down the left but their man kind of cut that off in the last second as I was about to play it, so I cut inside and thought, ‘why not?’

“Maybe there was also a bit of anger that we had just let them back in the game at 2-1. It flew in nicely.

“I was quite disappointed with the second shot I had after that [which went over the bar]. I hit that one nicely too. Maybe I was getting a bit carried away by then…

“I’d like to add many more. I should be getting more, but they’re nice when they come around."

Jones believes Carlisle did a professional job in beating Dulwich and must use their last three unbeaten games as a springboard for a better period after a previous poor run.

“I’ve seen most of the game back and they [Dulwich] were quite in it in the first half, but it was quite impressive the way we went about the job,” he said.

“We might not have dominated possession like we have in games previously, in the league, but we were just clinical.

“Harry [McKirdy] was magic on the night and we defended well at times. We knew it was a tough place to go, we knew how much they’d put the ball in the box and put the ball at you.

“Hopefully it’s a platform, with the home win [against Macclesfield] last weekend and the point at Orient. Fingers crossed we can kick on now.”

Jones admitted United’s overall form has not been good enough this season but feels their position will improve.

He said: “It has been a disappointing time. All the fans are frustrated, and no-one’s more frustrated than the players, staff and everyone in here.

“We’re all trying to pull in the right direction. We all know we’re in a position in the league where we shouldn’t be. That’s for all of us to get out of it.

“A win’s a win, no matter what the opposition. I’m sure the lads are all confident [as a result] and hopefully that will take us onto Morecambe [in the Leasing.com Trophy tonight] and Port Vale on Saturday.”