Gillingham’s weekend opponents Portsmouth returned to form with a midweek winner from a player who started out in the Medway Messenger Youth League.

Harvey White was snapped up by Chelsea after they spotted his potential while turning out for Cuxton 91. He went onto join Tottenham and is now on loan with League 1 Portsmouth. He scored his first Football League goal in the 1-0 win over Oxford United on Tuesday night.

Maidstone-born White, 19, who plays in midfield and has been on loan since January, could now face Gillingham on Saturday at Fratton Park. Portsmouth’s victory over Oxford came after back-to-back defeats for the promotion chasing side.

White has made seven league appearances for Portsmouth, moving there shortly after playing 90 minutes for Spurs in their 5-0 win over Marine in the FA Cup. He’s previously played in the Europa League for José Mourinho’s side and in the past few seasons gained first team experience in the EFL Trophy.

His headed goal after a well-timed run, shortly after the interval, came in what was a first Portsmouth start for White and he described the moment as “a dream come true.”

He added: “It felt amazing, unreal. I have grown up watching the Football League, every Saturday at 3pm and going to stadiums.

“The most important thing was getting three points after losing two on the bounce.”

White played for Spurs against the Gills previously in the EFL Trophy at Priestfield, picking up a booking in a game the home side won 2-0.

Speaking about his winner against Oxford, Portsmouth assistant boss Joe Gallen said: "Harvey looks young, but doesn’t play like that. We tucked him on the left side of midfield and were encouraging him to get into the box.

“He timed his run to perfection and it was a very good header into the net from a really impressive cross from Callum Johnson.

“The manager wanted to change things around and have a fresh energy and look about the team. He made some good calls.”

Harvey White: Where it all began

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