WEYMOUTH boss Brian Stock lavished praise on new defensive duo Dominic Revan and Jacob Mensah – despite the 1-0 FA Trophy loss to Darlington.
Although having only met each other 24 hours before kick-off, Aston Villa loanee Revan and permanent signing Mensah formed a solid partnership in central defence.
The only blemish on their debuts came via Will Hatfield’s 45th-minute winner as Darlington booked a fifth-round tie at home to Wealdstone or Gloucester City.
Speaking to Echosport, Stock insisted the pair deserved praise amid defeat.
He said: “Considering they only met each other (Friday) that speaks volumes of their understanding with one another.
“That partnership, if they do play together again, will only get stronger.
“When you look at one or two other performances around that, there were a few players hiding. Those two in particular can hold their heads up high.”
Asked if the pair’s joint debut was to form a partnership or through necessity with injuries, Stock replied: “A bit of both. They’re both young, very good players.
“With Jake McCarthy being suspended and a number of centre-halves – Ade (Olumuyiwa), Myles (Anderson) and Josh (Leslie-Smith) – all out injured and even Brennan (Camp) we are short.”
Weymouth now have a free midweek for extra training in preparation for a home clash against high-fliers Hartlepool United.
Stock said: “The objective (is) trying to attract players into the club that will be able to train on a more often basis.
“I felt Jacob and Dominic both had very good games. Those two were brought in for exactly that reason.
“When I look at the rest of the squad, yes the majority do have jobs but if we can make sessions available for them, that will only increase the contact time and fitness, analysis, rehab – all those things.
“Probably the biggest positive is that we’ve got Ben Thomson almost back to full fitness and Andreas Robinson as well.”
