The popular veteran, 39, reached his landmark with a 25-yard chip, which also completed his treble, and all this was after passing a late fitness test.

Burnett said: "It's a nice landmark to reach and I couldn't keep the smile off my face on Saturday evening.

"I tore fibres in my achilles in a friendly last Tuesday, and couldn't even walk on Wednesday, so was thinking I'd be out for a few weeks.

"But I went to see Malcolm Stuart (Brighton & Hove Albion physio] on Wednesday and Thursday, then again on Saturday morning, and his magic hands strapped me up, and got me through the game."

Burnett completed his century of goals at the start of his 13th season with Oak. It has come from 236 starts, plus 85 substitute appearances.

His next target is to overtake Neil Roberts in Oak's all-time appearance list. Roberts, who is third, played 346 games for the club, and Burnett is now on 321.

Burnett, however, concedes he is unlikely to get past Roberts' 156 goals for the club, although he is their second leading all-time marksman.

He said: "I've not thought about any more goal targets. At my age, one bad injury and it's all over now. It would be nice to pass 350 appearances, though."

Oak boss Anthony Whittington said: "I'm always pleased when Tony does well because he's a top man at the club."

Burnett reached 100 goals during a nine-goal thriller against Littlehamp-ton on Saturday.

Graham Martin fired Oak into a third-minute lead, but Dave Schneider headed the equaliser seven minutes later. Burnett brilliantly volleyed Oak 2-1 ahead on 35 minutes, before he coolly dinked a one-on-one over Golds keeper Jim Everett for his second three minutes later.

Jason Power, with a penalty after Darryl Livesey tugged Mark Burgess, made it 3-2 on the stroke of half-time.

Burnett chipped the fourth from 25 yards to complete his treble in controversial circumstances on 68 minutes.

Golds defender Wayne Wren tried to play a quick free kick, but the ball hit Martin, who was standing just two yards away. However, referee Martin Smith allowed play to continue, and Burnett lobbed home.

Littlehampton substitute George Gaskin pulled the score back to 4-3, but Oak sealed their win in the last 10 minutes with goals from Steve Porter, despite Chris Paine claiming it, and Paul Eaton.

MILE OAK: Stenning; Livesey, Porter, Paine, Sargent; Eaton, Curram, Pulling, Paterson; Martin; Burnett. Subs: Ash (Burnett 81), W.Whittington (Martin 86), Rewell (Eaton 88), Kokot, Stephens.

-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to Shoreham sport.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: steve.bailey@worthingherald.co.uk