Cumbrian Premier League prospect Joe White scored his first goal for MK Dons – after bouncing back from the disappointment of losing Mike Williamson as his boss.

Williamson signed the Carlisle-born Newcastle United midfielder on loan shortly before he left for Carlisle United.

White is now playing under Scott Lindsey at Stadium MK, and the Cumbrian got on the scoresheet in MK’s 5-1 win at Harrogate Town on Tuesday.

It was an extra special night for White, the goal and victory coming on his 22nd birthday.

Speaking after the game, White admitted that the departure of Williamson had initially been a difficult one to take.

“From a personal perspective it’s been quite tough. A big reason I came here was because of the old manager, and when he left it wasn’t ideal for me, but we all wanted a new manager to come in and settle everyone down,” he said in a club interview.

“Since he [Lindsey] has been here he’s been excellent for everyone.

“I don’t think he realised it was my birthday until ten minutes before kick-off, but he said, ‘I need a birthday goal’ and I was delighted to repay him.”

White joined MK Dons on a season-long loan after signing an extended deal with Newcastle.

It is the fourth loan of his career after previous spells with Hartlepool United, Exeter City and Crewe Alexandra.

MK’s midweek win was their first away victory of the season – and their first on the road since a win at Harrogate in Aptil.

“Perfect birthday. Perfect night, really,” added White. “We were excellent from minute one.

“We hadn’t had a win away from home in a while and that was the important thing.

“If there’s a run not going in your favour you want to put it right as soon as possible.”

On his goal, which put MK 2-0 up shortly before half-time, the Cumbrian added: “I said to Tommy [Leigh] as soon as I scored that he was lucky it came back off the post because I was on for him to pass…

“As soon as the ball fell to me it was just about getting your head over the ball and making sure you hit the target. You take them all day.

“I feel my performances on loan last season were really good and that’s the main thing this season – I want to increase my numbers, and I feel with the players we have here I can do that.”