WEYMOUTH striker Ben Joyce has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a reoccurrence of the shin splints injury that has troubled him over the past few months.

The former Swindon Town man has been told by doctors not to take to the field again this term.

He will miss the remaining eight games of the season, starting with tomorrow’s encounter with Hitchin Town at the Bob Lucas Stadium (3pm).

Weymouth player-manager Jason Matthews told Echosport: “It’s obviously really frustrating for Ben because he just wants to play and help us pick up as many points as we can until the end of the season.”

Scott Walker (groin) and Matt Ford (foot) remain doubtful for Saturday’s home clash, with Luke Winsper still waiting to find out the extent of his suspected broken metatarsal he suffered against Bashley last week.

Hitchin came from 2-1 down to beat the Terras when the sides last met in December, a result that signalled the end for former manager Brendon King.

But Matthews is keen to avenge that loss and keep his side’s winning streak intact to secure a fifth straight league success.

He added: “We played well up at Hitchin but they scored two goals on the break against us that were fairly against the run of play.

“We have had a report done and had them watched so we will be well prepared for Saturday.

“I have said in the last two weeks that players are playing for contracts next season and I want to secure as many wins as I can.”

Matthews also informed Echosport that coach Shane Traynor will be part of the Terras’ backroom staff for the remainder of the season.

Traynor took charge of a training session with the Weymouth squad last week.