Portsmouth's Gareth Evans has been named the Sky Bet League 2 Player of the Month for December.
Evans’ four goals from a wide midfield berth in four December games included a vital headed equaliser at promotion rivals Northampton Town. A tireless worker, he willingly used his pace and crossing ability to fashion chances for others.Portsmouth manager Paul Cook said: “I’m delighted for Gareth and it’s a fitting reward for his performances during the last month. He’s a key part of the squad we’ve put together here and he really is playing well at the minute.
“But so are the team as a collective and this award is as much a credit to them as it is him.”
Evans said: “I’m delighted to win this award and hopefully I can build on my good December form as we look to have a successful second half of the season.
“It might be me picking up the trophy, but plenty of credit must go to my team-mates and I’d like to thank our fans for their fantastic support.”
Sky Sports’ Football League pundit Don Goodman said: “December was a brilliant month for Evans and for Pompey.
“Their front three of Evans, Caolan Lavery and Marc McNulty have been firing on all cylinders of late and are as good as anyone in the league on their day.”
Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery said: “Since their drop into Sky Bet League 2 Portsmouth have been perennial favourites to lift the title and have struggled, especially early on in the season.
“However this year, they have given themselves a fighting chance at the halfway stage and Gareth Evans has been integral to that success, especially during a fine month in December.
“He has taken the reins as Pompey’s leading scorer with seven goals for the season whilst also operating from a wider berth and creating numerous chances for a team that has scored the most goals in Sky Bet League 2 this season."
The judging panel for the Sky Bet Player of the Month comprises Sky Sports Football League expert Don Goodman; Football League Head of Communications John Nagle; League Managers Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery.