Brian Stock satisfied by Weymouth's fitness gains

Stock’s men travelled to the Camp & Satherley Stadium for their second pre-season friendly of the summer, beating the Blues 6-0 following the behind-closed-doors meeting with Bournemouth.

Brad Ash scored twice with Tyler Cordner, Josh Leslie-Smith, Sean Shields and Tom Bearwish also netting.

Stock has publicly underlined the need for greater fitness throughout his tenure and is putting his players “through their paces” in pre-season.

Four divisions separated the two sides on the day, but Stock was impressed with the Terras’ work ethic.

“I thought their attitude was absolutely spot on,” he told Echosport. “I reiterate, we need to be really fit this year.

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“When we look at the running they’ve done after the game, we’ve really put them through their paces. Not one of them shied away from it.

“That was a good team ethic and emphasised again after the final whistle. Obviously, we’ve come away with a comfortable win but it’s not about that, it’s about building up our fitness.

“The lads are still only five days into pre-season in terms of contact time, but they’re looking fit, sharp.

“When you consider we’ve got until August the 21st until kick-off it’s good early signs.”

Ahkeem Rose provided two assists for Weymouth Picture: MARK PROBIN

Stock also reserved praise for new signing Ahkeem Rose, who provided two assists.

On Rose, he said: “He’s exciting, he’ll attract interest because of the style of his play.

“He’s quick, wants to take players on and we saw that when he got to the ball before the goalkeeper. Sean then tucked it away nicely.

“Every new signing has come in and made an impact.”

Stock’s opposite number Franklyn Clarke was also delighted – despite the result.

“I’m so proud,” he said. “Ninety minutes against a side four leagues above, who want to do well in the National League.

“They’ve just held their own for most of the game. If you break down their goals, we’re a bit disappointed with a few in the first half and one in the second.

“Really proud of the lads. They couldn’t have given any more effort, running, tackling, first balls, second balls.

“The amount of energy we had made it a lot more difficult than what Weymouth expected it to be.”

Clarke spoke pre-match over his desire to see his side keep their defensive shape, frustrating Weymouth.

He added: “We did that. Out of possession we like to come into a 4-5-1 and it just made it difficult for them.

“It was about limiting chances and I thought in the first half we did that really well. – and in the second.

“Our shape was that good that I think for only one or two goals they played through us.

“With the quality they have, they’re going to break you down once or twice.

“I said to the lads if they can do that in the Wessex League then it’ll stand us in good stead.”