FA WSL Preview: Yeovil Town Ladies FC

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Yeovil Town might just be WSL2’s success story this season. I’m not exactly sure what it is, but something about this team makes me want to root for them. Can the team from the South West prove they belong at this level?

Manager: Sarah Lawler (4^th season)

Home Field: Sherborne Town FC

Twitter: @YeovilLadiesFC

Facebook: Yeovil Town Ladies FC

Kickoff

The Glovers recently beat WSL1 side Manchester City in a friendly, giving them a huge boost heading into the 2014 season. The team’s management is visibly committed to success, bringing in quality players and making clear efforts to reach out to supporters in issuing a Fans’ Bill of Rights, discounted tickets, and news stories about team bonding. I’m one to say these moves are the sign of good things to come…

Offside/Onside

What is might be a bit off, and what is looking on, for Yeovil Town this season?

Offside: The Glovers are largely inexperienced against top-level teams. They have achieved success in the South West Combination League and last year in the Premier League Southern Division, but will need to quickly adjust to a schedule against tougher teams.

Offside: Yeovil Town have some strong individual players, but do they have the depth to maintain a competitive level in the Super League once the inevitabilities of injury and fatigue strike?

Onside: Manager Sarah Lawler is a former Yeovil Town player who has coached the team since 2011. Her insider knowledge of the Glovers’ camaraderie and ethos has allowed her to take the team from success to success to earn a place in the new WSL2. Lawler’s ability lead is one of Yeovil Town’s biggest strengths.

Onside: The off-season return of Yeovil-born Helen Bleazard is huge for the Glovers. The Welsh international, 23, developed her skills in the Yeovil Ladies youth programme before leaving for stints with Bristol Academy and Chelsea Ladies. She returns to her home club to lead the Glovers from the midfield.

Players to Watch

Yeovil Town also signed Welsh International Katie Sherwood and former Cardiff city star Paige Stewart in the off-season. Look for both to lead the team from the midfield from the start. Joining them is Jade Lorton-Radburn, a versatile midfielder who possesses both defensive intelligence and the ability to score. Stewart registered an assist and Lorton-Radburn a goal in the Glovers’ recent win over Manchester City.

Goalkeeper Rachel Simkin had a strong showing that win—can she carry this intensity into the regular season?

FA WSL Fact

Yeovil Town made the record books in August 2009 with a 21-0 win over Reading Ladies Club in a South West Combination League match. (Note: this was a different team to Reading Women FC who are in the WSL2 this year.)

Get tickets or catch Yeovil Town Ladies live on FATV.

Tomorrow: Aston Villa Ladies FC

Erin Walters, Sportsister
The Women’s Sport Magazine

Picture credits: Yeovil Town Ladies FC, FAWSL

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