Evans understands Barton’s wider outlook

several occasions last season – he scored a number of winning goals and he was among a core of players who delivered a heroic performance in the 7-0 win over Scunthorpe on the final day to clinch promotion, scoring two sensational goals.

In League Two, the 24-year-old was one of the first names on the teamsheet, but his place in the side is not as secure this season.

That was shown on Tuesday when, despite a strong performance in the win over Cambridge, Evans was dropped to the bench. He responded accordingly, though, converting from the penalty spot 14 minutes from time to lead the Pirates to a 1-0 win at Stadium MK as Rovers moved 15th in the table.

Evans added: “For me, it’s (being dropped) not what you want to hear when you’ve played well at the weekend and picked up three points, but you’ve got to step outside the bubble and wonder why he (Barton) is doing it. It’s not personal, it’s what he thinks is best for the team.” ■ Forest Green Rovers picked up a 1-0 home win against Bolton last weekend but then crashed 4-1 away to Peterborough in midweek. Today they visit a Port Vale side who they were promoted into League One alongside last term

In League Two, meanwhile, Scott Lindsey’s Swindon have a home game against Colchester.