WEYMOUTH recalled goalkeeper Gerard Benfield from his loan spell at Dorchester Town prior to facing Poole Town, Magpies’ boss Glenn Howes has confirmed.

Benfield joined Dorchester on loan until January but was asked by Terras’ manager Brian Stock to return early.

It comes after Weymouth suffered a Covid-19 outbreak among a portion of their squad, leading to the postponement of festive fixtures against Eastleigh and Yeovil.

Weymouth’s situation was also heightened by an injury to goalkeeping understudy Harrison Bruton, who broke a finger in the warm-up prior to the 1-0 FA Trophy win at Hungerford.

Bruton is expected to be out for “a number of weeks” according to Stock.

Back at Dorchester, the Magpies have moved to replace Benfield with Exeter loanee Harry Lee.

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Speaking after the 4-1 loss to Poole on Monday, Dorchester gaffer Howes was quick to praise Benfield.

He told Echosport: “Gez has fitted in really well with the team and the players.

“You’re always concerned how a loan player comes in, similar to Harry. It’s such an important position in the team. You’re always a bit nervous.

“Gez, we saw a significant improvement in terms of him coming back from his (dislocated) finger. He was getting that run of games he craves and that continuity in his performances.

“He’s been brilliant for us. Weymouth have their situation and we understand the need to call him back.

“But he’s sharp and ready to play. It’s a credit to Gez and how much time he’s put into that.”