GOALKEEPER Gerard Benfield has left Weymouth to re-join Pitching In Southern League Premier South strugglers Wimborne Town.

He is replaced by former Southampton and Yeovil custodian Tommy Scott, who was recently with Wimborne.

Scott, 22, has also come in on an emergency basis for Wimborne’s divisional rivals Poole Town and Wessex League title contenders Hamworthy United this season.

Scott’s spell at Yeovil ended via release at 18, but Southampton offered the keeper a lifeline with a two-year deal.

However, he was released last summer at the conclusion of his contract at St Mary’s.

Benfield, 24, played just four times for Weymouth after joining from Salisbury in the summer of 2020.

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He has not featured for the Terras at all this season, going out on loan to Dorchester Town where he played 16 times.

However, Weymouth recalled him just before Christmas as cover for Ross Fitzsimons when young understudy Harrison Bruton broke a finger at Hungerford.

Benfield returns to Wimborne, where he earned his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers on the local circuit.

He was spotted watching the New Cuthbury outfit against Truro.

Commenting on the emergency usage of Scott this season, Wimborne boss James Stokoe told the Bournemouth Echo: “It was tough, really, really tough.

“We got to 10 o'clock (that) morning, spoke to him and he just said that he can't do it - he physically can't play, he wouldn't be able to strike a ball, wouldn’t be able to dive on it.

“At that point, we’ve then got five hours to try sort a keeper out, which is difficult.

“Luckily we've got a good relationship with Weymouth. He's (Scott) been training with them.

“I went down to speak to Stocky (Brian Stock, Weymouth manager) and he said he could be available.

“We were really lucky with Poole to de-register him in time so that we could use him.

“It was a really, really tough day for myself trying to sort something out.

“But you know, really thankful to those two clubs to be able to get something done.”

Meanwhile, the Terras are believed to be working on at least three signings, two of which are being finalised.