Football: Harry Kane closes on Tottenham Hotspur scoring record in FA Cup win over Portsmouth

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane has moved within one goal of the club's record scorer Jimmy Greaves with the only goal in a 1-0 win over Portsmouth in the FA Cup third round.

Kane was hardly in the game during a dull opening half, but curled home a superb effort five minutes into the second period to take his Tottenham tally to 265 goals.

Eight-time FA Cup winners Tottenham, who lost to Portsmouth in the 2010 semi-final, fielded a strong line-up, but failed to register a shot on target against their third-tier opponents in the first half, improving after the break to dominate.

After Kane broke the deadlock with his 17th club goal this season, midfielder Oliver Skipp wasted a great chance to make it 2-0, as Tottenham eased through with few alarms.

Harry Kane and teammates celebrate his goal against Portsmouth
Harry Kane and teammates celebrate his goal against Portsmouth. Photo credit: Getty Images

Kane's goal was worth the wait, as he exchanged passes in a congested area with Ryan Sessegnon, before dispatching a right-footed shot into the opposite corner.

"I try to not think about it," he said of Greaves' landmark. "Sometimes you can think too much.

"I feel in good form and I feel fit. My mindset is to help the team and hopefully the goals will come."

Premier League Leicester City, who won the Cup in 2021, also reached the fourth round with a 1-0 win at Gillingham, who are rock bottom of the Football League.

Watched from the stands by new American owner Brad Galinson, Gillingham proved stubborn opposition, but were undone in the 56th minute, when Kelechi Iheanacho fired home from close range.

Southampton put aside their poor English Premier League form to come from behind and beat fellow top-flight side Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park, with Adam Armstrong scoring the winner, after the visitors had levelled with a James Ward-Prowse free-kick.

Later on Sunday (NZ time), holders Liverpool host Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Newcastle United are at Sheffield Wednesday.

Manchester City host Chelsea on Monday, while Premier League leaders Arsenal have to wait until Tuesday, when they travel to third-tier Oxford United.

Reuters