WEYMOUTH manager Brian Stock hinted at a rift with goalkeeper Gerard Benfield after his absence from Saturday's squad.

Former Salisbury custodian Benfield has been second choice to first Jack Bycroft and now Ethan Ross this season.

Stock has preferred to use Benfield in cup competitions, where he has often shone with a number of outstanding displays.

But his omission from Saturday's 0-0 draw with Solihull Moors, leaving understudy Harrison Bruton to warm up with Ross, drew a considered response from Stock.

When quizzed over Benfield's absence from the teamsheet, Stock paused for nine seconds before answering.

He told Echosport: "It's been hard to manage Gerard.

"He's found his chances limited and (he's) frustrated. That's sometimes reflected in training.

"One or two things have cropped up, which I've had to deal with in-house, hence the reason he wasn't here (against Solihull) and Harrison warmed up with Ethan.

"I've said to Jez I think he's a great goalkeeper. He's good at keeping the ball out of the net, his distribution is great.

"Sometimes people might think he should be potentially playing at this level.

"The thing I've always been brought up with as a player and manager is I want players to be as professional as they can, maintaining (a good) attitude whether they play or don't. 

"Jez has just fallen short of that this year. He's still part of the plans, part of the club.

"I just felt I needed to stamp my authority and make him understand that his attitude needs to be spot on."