WEYMOUTH boss Brian Stock paid credit to Ebbsfleet United after the Terras succumbed 1-0 to the Kent side in their final pre-season friendly.

Josh Payne’s second-half penalty gave Fleet a merited victory as the full-time outfit looked the more dangerous team – particularly on the break.

Post-match, Stock said: “They’re a strong side, a full-time team.

“If we were to have a test leading up to the start of the season, that would be realistic to what we’re facing week in, week out, we’ve faced it (on Saturday).

“They’re physical, a strong side with some ability and good players.

“I thought it was a close game, it could’ve gone either way and obviously the penalty decided the game.”

Stock added: “There were one or two decisions which I felt could’ve gone our way but I’ve been in the game long enough to understand that that’s just football.”

Defeat to Ebbsfleet was Weymouth’s first in pre-season ahead of their National League opener at Altrincham on Saturday (3pm).