Yeovil Town Women captain Laura Wensley will lead the newly promoted Glovers out at Huish Park on Sunday, in a home opener carrying personal significance for the Yeovil-born midfielder.
Yeovil begin life in Tier 5 against Portishead Town after winning promotion as champions last season. For Wensley, the fixture is also a return to a stadium woven into her life as a supporter and player.
A lifelong connection to Huish Park
Wensley supported Yeovil Town as a youngster and appeared on the front page of the Western Gazette shortly before the new stadium opened. She also attended major matches involving the club, including the FA Trophy Final at Villa Park and the play-off final at Wembley.
Her connection with Huish Park began before the ground officially opened. Wensley recalled being photographed on the pitch with other Yeovil fans when she was about six. A caption in the original report identifies her in the middle of the picture, with Steven Lindegaard, Andy Lindegaard’s brother, on her right.
“There’s a big history between me and Yeovil, so it’s going to be good on Sunday. It’s gonna mean a lot, and a few of my family and friends will be there which will be nice. A nice header as well would be good!”
Family and friends are expected to be among those watching as Wensley leads the side into the new campaign.
From a serious injury to a memorable return
Huish Park has not always brought positive memories for the captain. During her first spell as a Glovers player, she suffered a serious leg injury at the stadium in a match against Leeds in the Premier League Cup.
Wensley said the injury happened in 2013, when she broke both her tibia and fibula during the game. More than 600 supporters had attended the match. She estimated that she was out for about a year, missing part of a period in which Yeovil were performing strongly and later reached the Women’s Super League 2.
Her more recent return to the pitch brought a measure of redemption. Wensley played the full 90 minutes against W*ymouth last season as Yeovil recorded a 7-1 victory. The match was watched by 298 fans.
“But we played W*ymouth last year on the pitch and I got through those 90 minutes, so at least this time I can just concentrate on the game rather than the emotions behind it – which will be better, I think. It will be good for me.”
Yeovil supporters urged to attend
Wensley said Yeovil had consistently backed the women’s side locally and wants that support to be visible at Huish Park for Sunday’s match.
“I think Yeovil have always been really good at getting behind the women’s team locally. There’s always been a lot of support for us.”
She encouraged families to attend, describing the match as an entertaining occasion. Adult tickets cost £5, while under-16 tickets are £1. Tickets are available online, and the ticket office will also be open on the day.
A full pre-match conversation with Wensley and manager Dave Court is due to appear in the Gloverscast podcast feed on Sunday morning.