WEYMOUTH boss Brian Stock believes his “players need a rest” after the 3-0 loss to Aldershot Town.

Stock’s men looked jaded when turning in a dismal display against the Shots, who avenged their 2-0 reverse to the Terras earlier in January.

Following the defeat, Weymouth return to Vanarama National League action on Saturday, April 24 at title-chasing Hartlepool.

Echosport understands that could be postponed, with Hartlepool applying to league officials for a new date of Saturday, May 29.

And with Weymouth having played four times in 12 days, Stock is keen to give his squad a breather.

He said: “I think it’s (clear) that the players need a rest. We’ve asked a lot of a small group of players.

“Having a few days off will do a lot of players good. I need to revitalise the squad, inject that will to win.

“With no relegation, has that sunk into the players? It’s something I’ll evaluate as a manager.

“We need to make sure we give everything we’ve got right until the end of the season.

“I take it for granted that every player will give everything they’ve got.”

Back-to-back games against Dover had been scheduled but were then cancelled when the Whites halted play for the season.

Quizzed on his plans for the lay-off. Stock added: “There are one or two plans in the pipeline and I want this team to gel and kick on.

“Team spirit is huge to success and I want to remind them of that.

“Sometimes topping up fitness might be the wrong thing to do when rest is as good as a run.

“We’ve got some good staff members and we’ll do what’s right for the players.”

Weymouth have discussed the possibility of an inter-squad game to retain match sharpness.