Portsmouth boss admits midfielder's been harshly treated
![Gareth Evans missed out on start against Fleetwood. Picture: Joe Pepler](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/legacy_oak_109036258.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
![Gareth Evans missed out on start against Fleetwood. Picture: Joe Pepler](/img/placeholder.png)
That was the verdict of Kenny Jackett himself, as he made the call to drop Evans for the 1-0 victory over Fleetwood.
Evans was on the scoresheet at AFC Wimbledon and produced a strong display at Kingsmeadow.
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Hide AdBut the 30-year-old was the man to make way as Ronan Curtis made his return after international duty.
![Gareth Evans missed out on start against Fleetwood. Picture: Joe Pepler](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/legacy_oak_109036258.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65)
![Gareth Evans missed out on start against Fleetwood. Picture: Joe Pepler](/img/placeholder.png)
Jackett opted to continue with Dion Donohue on the left, as Curtis started up front with Oli Hawkins.
And Jackett admitted that was rough justice on Evans.
He said: '˜It was a tough call.
'˜It was a harsh decision on Gareth, because he's been excellent for us.
'˜But the left foot of Donohue just tipped it slightly with it adding some balance.
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Hide Ad'˜There were some real good crossfield passes from him and he is a longer passer.
'˜He also gives good set-piece delivery from central midfield.
'˜There were good choices for me but it was a bit harsh on Gareth.
'˜His running output is fantastic and I'm not sure if you can do that every game.
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Hide Ad'˜Sometimes for Gareth it comes down to a straight choice between him and Jamal Lowe.
'˜In my time here I've had good options in that position.
'˜But, for Gareth, we'll need him. We'll need him Tuesday and we'll need him Saturday.
'˜He's a big part of what we're doing.'
Jackett opted for a change in shape after a dreadful first half in which neither side created much in way of clearcut opportunities.
That led to Curtis moving to the left with Ben Thompson advanced after a move to a 4-2-3-1 formation.
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Hide AdJackett added: '˜You need to be flexible and sometimes throw a little more caution to the wind.
'˜In the first half we were little bit flat with our runs and not bending them enough.
'˜There were one or two offsides which really frustrated because we couldn't get in.
'˜It was tough for us to get in during that period.
'˜It was always seems be a first half here with a lot of free-kicks and no flow until the second half.
'˜That was the case here again, but we did put in a strong performance and I did feel it was comprehensive 1-0 win.'