MUM-TO-BE SARAH WILL TAKE A SEAT IN STANDS
SARAH WILTSHIRE is already set for one of the greatest summers of her life, but the Women’s Super League top-scorer hopes Yeovil Town can make it a magnificent hat-trick, writes Paul Eddison.
With 12 goals in WSL 2, Wiltshire leads the way in the Super League this season but played her final game of the campaign for the Lady Glovers last Sunday against Durham.
That’s because Wiltshire is three months pregnant.
The 4-0 win over Durham was the last game she could play before reaching the 12-week cutoff advised by her doctor.
Now, her attention will turn to her wedding next month.
But, with Yeovil in the midst of a title challenge in WSL 2, she revealed she will now be the No.1 supporter at Huish Park, starting with today’s game against Aston Villa.
“I’m going to miss playing and being out there on the pitch,” said Wiltshire, who scored a hat-trick the last time the teams met as Yeovil fought back from 2-0 down to win 4-2.
“I am going to keep training for now, though I’ll have to be careful and avoid any contact,” she said.
“It means I’ll still be around the club, doing what I can and being a supporter.
“It was definitely emotional playing against Durham. It’s still early, so I’m trying not to get too excited about it, but it’s difficult.
“I told the girls on Thursday and then had my hen do on Friday, so it’s been a busy week.
“I knew I could keep playing until 12 weeks and that ended up falling on Monday, so I got to play a final game. I actually found out about it only a month ago, so quite late.
“There’s lots coming up and lots going on at the moment with the wedding as well.”
Wiltshire is due to give birth in February and, with the WSL set to switch from summer to winter, has a little bit of extra time before next season.
And, regardless of whether Yeovil are promoted or not, she insisted she will be staying put at Huish Park on her return.
She added: “As the season is changing, I will be able to have a bit more time with the baby before I come back.
“The club has been amazing with me.
“(Manager) Jamie Sherwood has been really supportive. His wife Katie had three children and kept playing, so they can help and give me some advice.
“Whatever happens with promotion, I’ll be coming back to play for Yeovil next season.The support at the club has been great
“There really is a great atmosphere and all the girls enjoy being here.
“I’ve been here for three seasons now, with a spell at Manchester City, and it’s going really well.
“Hopefully we can get promotion and I’ll be cheering the girls on.”