Head to Head
First meeting
We have no previous results against Anstey Nomads in the system yet.
Build Up
Four months on from the heartbreak of defeat in the Southern League Premier Central play-off final, the Pirates return to the Ledger Stadium with one goal in mind, to go one better this season.
Opening day promises a fantastic afternoon for the whole family, with plenty of entertainment on and off the pitch. Alongside a host of family activities, the Pirates face a tough test against Leamington in what will be their first opportunity to lay down a marker for the season ahead.
MATCH DETAILS
Date: Saturday 8th August 2026
Kick-Off: 3pm
Venue: Ledger Stadium, McMullen Park, Meadow Lane, Bedford, MK44 3LW
TICKETS
Tickets are available to purchase online via the club website here. Tickets are cheaper when bought in advance, so secure yours now and save.
Advance Prices:
Adult: £12
Concession (60+): £7
Youth (13-17): £4
Child (Under 12): £2
Groundhopper: £17
Hospitality (Adult): £40
Hospitality (Under 18): £20
Matchday Prices:
Adult: £14
Concession (60+): £9
Youth (13-17): £6
Child (Under 12): £3
Groundhopper: £17
Groundhopper tickets include a general admisson into the ground, a matchday programme, and a free hot drink or cold soft drink.
Enjoy an advanced matchday experience with access to our exclusive Matchday Hospitality Lounge, which includes a reserved lounge seat and match seat, a shared pre-match buffet, complimentary soft drinks and one alcoholic drink, half-time refreshments, and more.
OPPOSITION FOCUS
Leamington arrive at the Ledger Stadium looking to bounce back following relegation from the National League North last season. The Brakes finished bottom of the table, bringing an end to their two-year stay at Step 2, and will be aiming to challenge near the top of the Southern League Premier Central this campaign.
GETTING TO THE LEDGER STADIUM
Fans travelling via the M1 should leave the motorway at Junction 13 before joining the A421 Bedford Bypass. Continue on the A421 before taking the A603 Sandy exit. The Ledger Stadium is approximately 200 yards on the left-hand side of Meadow Lane. Follow the Real Bedford signage upon turning onto Meadow Lane. Sat Nav: MK44 3LW
PARKING
Limited parking is available immediately before the Ledger Stadium on the left-hand side. An overflow car park is also available immediately on the right as you enter Meadow Lane. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early or travel together where possible.
FOOD, DRINK & Entertainment
Make the most of our opening day with plenty of food, drink and family entertainment available throughout the afternoon.
Our food and drink outlets will be open all day, serving a range of hot food, snacks and refreshments. Fans can also enjoy beers from our partners at Brew Point, including Supernova Helles Lager, Genesis Stout, Foghorn Hazy Session IPA, Lodestar Pacific Pale Ale, and much more.
The popular Pirate Burger will be available, alongside a selection of hot and cold food, while our BBQ next to the food kiosk will be firing up throughout the afternoon, serving all your favourites including burgers, hot dogs and more.
As we celebrate the start of a new season, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy. An ice cream truck will be on site, while younger supporters can have fun on the bouncy castle, try their luck with our Lucky Dip, and enjoy a range of games and activities throughout the afternoon.
Whether you’re coming for the football, the food or the family fun, there’s something for everyone as the Pirates kick off the new campaign at the Ledger Stadium.
REAL COFFEE CART
The Real Coffee Cart will be open opposite the pitch, serving a wide range of freshly prepared coffees, teas and hot drinks from our very own Real Coffee.
CLUB SHOP
The Real Bedford Club Shop will be open, throughout the afternoon. Supporters can purchase: 2026/27 replica kits, Hoodies & t-shirts, Accessories, Official club merchandise and much more.
ACCESSIBILITY
Two disabled parking bays are available outside the stadium. A designated accessible viewing area is located at the front of the main stand. For any accessibility enquiries, please contact: hello@realbedford.com
LIVE STREAM
This fixture will be livestreamed for all supporters. Watch on PirateTV.
FOLLOW THE MATCH
Can’t make it to the Ledger Stadium? You can follow the action live via our X account, with key match updates throughout the afternoon. Half-time and full-time updates will also be shared across all our social media channels.
A full match report will be available on the website shortly after the final whistle, while match highlights will be uploaded to our YouTube channel in the days following the fixture.
Follow @realbedford on X and Instagram.
The Pirates round off pre-season on Saturday 1st August, welcoming Hertford Town to the Ledger Stadium for their final friendly ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
MATCH DETAILS
Date: Saturday 1st August 2026
Kick-Off: 3pm
Venue: Ledger Stadium, McMullen Park, Meadow Lane, Bedford, MK44 3LW
TICKETS
Tickets are available to purchase online via the club website here.
Adult: £6
Concession (60+): £4
Youth (13-17): £1
Child (Under 12): FREE
Supporters are encouraged to purchase in advance to help speed up entry on matchday.
OPPOSITION FOCUS
The Blues compete in the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central (Step 4), where they enjoyed a solid 2025/26 campaign. Hertford finished in the top half of the table, recording several impressive results throughout the season and ending the campaign strongly with victories over the likes of Beaconsfield Town and Welwyn Garden City.
Hertford also showed their quality in cup competitions, progressing through three rounds of the Emirates FA Cup before bowing out to National League South side Chelmsford City.
GETTING TO THE LEDGER STADIUM
Fans travelling via the M1 should leave the motorway at Junction 13 before joining the A421 Bedford Bypass. Continue on the A421 before taking the A603 Sandy exit. The Ledger Stadium is approximately 200 yards on the left-hand side of Meadow Lane. Follow the Real Bedford signage upon turning onto Meadow Lane. Sat Nav: MK44 3LW
PARKING
Limited parking is available immediately before the Ledger Stadium on the left-hand side. An overflow car park is also available immediately on the right as you enter Meadow Lane. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early or travel together where possible.
FOOD & DRINK
Our food and drink outlets will be open throughout the afternoon, serving a range of hot food, snacks and refreshments. Fans can also enjoy beers from our partners at Brew Point, including: Supernova Helles Lager, Genesis Stout, Foghorn Hazy Session IPA, Lodestar Pacific Pale Ale, and much more. The popular Pirate Burger will also be available alongside a selection of hot and cold food.
REAL COFFEE CART
The Real Coffee Cart will be open opposite the pitch, serving a wide range of freshly prepared coffees, teas and hot drinks from our very own Real Coffee.
CLUB SHOP
The Real Bedford Club Shop will be open, upon request, throughout the afternoon. Supporters can purchase: 2026/27 replica kits, Hoodies & t-shirts, Accessories, Official club merchandise and much more.
ACCESSIBILITY
Two disabled parking bays are available outside the stadium. A designated accessible viewing area is located at the front of the main stand. For any accessibility enquiries, please contact: hello@realbedford.com
LIVE STREAM
This fixture will not be livestreamed.
FOLLOW THE MATCH
Social media coverage will be limited throughout pre-season, with updates kept to a minimum as the focus remains on preparations for the new campaign. A full match report and post-match reaction will be available on the club website shortly after full-time.
Follow @realbedford on X and Instagram for updates throughout pre-season.
26/27 Season Tickets On Sale Now
Real Bedford draw 4-4 with fellow step 3 side St Albans City in a feisty and entertaining penultimate pre-season fixture at the Ledger Stadium.
The Pirates made three changes from the side that won the Bedfordshire County Cup against Bedford Town on Friday evening. Craig King replaced the Trialist goalkeeper in between the sticks, Jack Morrell came in for Sam Cartwright in defence and Elliot Simmons stepped in for Andi Thanoj in midfield.
The Saints started off the better team, and less than one minute in, a misplaced pass at the back gave the ball to St Albans skipper Alex Dyer, who slotted in Kieran Petrie for a great early chance but his effort was pushed away by King for a corner.
A couple minutes later Petrie called King into action once again. The oppositions left back launched a bomb of a throw down the line to Kai Brown and Petrie was fed another decent opportunity but the Real Bedford shot stopper denied him again.
Brown again was threatening on the left hand side and Petrie would have had a tap in but Morrell came sliding in to cut out Brown’s pass.
Against the run of play, Real Bedford took the lead in the 18th minute with their first attempt at goal. Collins made a brilliant driving run into St Albans’ half, laying it off to Stevens to work his magic. Our number 10 ran down to the byline and picked out Jordan Ponticelli, who then side footed a bouncing ball into the top corner to score for the third game in a row and make it 1-0 to the Pirates.
The visitors responded four minutes later, however, following a well worked free kick. A great ball in was found at the back post by the St Albans defender who headed it back across goal to Brown who had a tap in to level the scores at 1-1.
Brown somehow did not score a second only minutes later. The forward met an enticing low ball across the box but his first effort was stopped from close range and then his second attempt flied over as he fell off balance.
A feisty and aggressive game followed with as few strong challenges and nearly chances for both sides. The referee tried to get ahold of the game as a short melee broke out between the two teams, which resulted in Drew Richardson receiving a yellow card.
Then, on the stroke of half time, the Saints made it 2-1. Jack James had acres of space on the edge of the box, allowing the right back to unleash a rocket into the top right corner, as King watched it sail past.
A scrappy first half came to an end with plenty of fouls and stoppages. St Albans looked dangerous going forward and went in to the break with a deserved advantage.
Second half
The Hertfordshire based side continued their attacking presence after the interval and were awarded a penalty in the 49th minute. Substitute striker Inih Effiong’s deflected effort was going to fall into Brown’s path but the forward was brought down by Cartwright at the back post. Brown made no mistake from the spot and the Saints doubled their lead to 3-1.
The Pirates came close to responding two minutes later. Collins played a lovely through ball into Stevens who was in on goal and let fly a great strike but Sam Donkin made a magnificent stop to his right to deny him. CJ Kiala latched onto the loose ball but could not force home the rebound.
Real Bedford continued piling on the pressure and Ponticelli was close to grabbing his second. Morrell fired a ball across the box but Ponticelli was stretching and the striker couldn’t keep his attempt down as it went over the bar.
The Pirates’ pressure soon paid off only four minutes after Brown’s spot kick. Collins played a forward pass into Stevens who then laid it off to Josh Allen in the box and the striker rifled a shot into the top right corner with his left foot to half the deficit to 3-2.
Yet, The Pirates were reduced to 10 men as Richardson saw red. A challenge from the skipper on Effiong saw him receive a second yellow and Real Bedford had to play the last 25 minutes with a man down.
Playing with a man light didn’t stop the Pirates, with Allen making it 3-3 soon after with a brace. Kiala slipped in Allen through on goal and the forward finished impressively past Donkin while off balance and the scores were level with 12 to play.
With five minutes left, Real Bedford scored another to make it 4-3 and turn the game on its head. A trialist midfielder picked up the ball from a loose pass, taking it past one before rifling a low driven shot into the bottom left corner just inside the box to complete the spirited fight back by the 10 man Pirates.
Although, the Pirates’ joy was short-lived and St Albans equalised just two minutes later. Darion Furlong guided the ball into the net from a corner with a fine header and the game was now 4-4.
Both sides wanted to grab a winner and Kiala came closest but his shot on goal was saved down low by Donkin.
The referee brought an end to another entertaining pre season fixture for the Pirates. Rob Sinclair will be impressed with the determination his side showed to come from behind with a man down and satisfied with a draw against a decent St Albans outfit.
The next and final pre-season friendly for Real Bedford is on Saturday at 15:00 against Hertford Town at the Ledger Stadium. Get your tickets here.
Starting XI: King, Ward, Richardson, Morrell, Simmons, Collins, Kiala, Tee, Stevens, Allen, Ponticelli.
Subs: Trialist, Ahmed, Cartwright, Hitchcock, Trialist.
Real Bedford 4-4 St Albans City
Date: Tuesdat 28th July 2026
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Venue: Ledger Stadium
The Pirates continue their preparations for the 2026/27 season on Tuesday evening as they welcome St Albans City to the Ledger Stadium for another valuable pre-season test.
MATCH DETAILS
Date: Tuesday 28th July 2026
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
Venue: Ledger Stadium, McMullen Park, Meadow Lane, Bedford, MK44 3LW
TICKETS
Tickets are available to purchase online via the club website here.
Adult: £6
Concession (60+): £4
Youth (13-17): £1
Child (Under 12): FREE
Supporters are encouraged to purchase in advance to help speed up entry on matchday.
OPPOSITION FOCUS
St Albans City make the short trip to the Ledger Stadium as they continue their preparations for the new campaign. The Saints compete in the Isthmian League Premier Division and enjoyed a solid 2025/26 season as they consolidated their place in the division while continuing to rebuild following their relegation from National League South.
Tuesday’s fixture offers another competitive test for the Pirates, with the two sides last meeting in pre-season last summer, when Real Bedford claimed victory in an entertaining encounter.
GETTING TO THE LEDGER STADIUM
Fans travelling via the M1 should leave the motorway at Junction 13 before joining the A421 Bedford Bypass. Continue on the A421 before taking the A603 Sandy exit. The Ledger Stadium is approximately 200 yards on the left-hand side of Meadow Lane. Follow the Real Bedford signage upon turning onto Meadow Lane. Sat Nav: MK44 3LW
PARKING
Limited parking is available immediately before the Ledger Stadium on the left-hand side. An overflow car park is also available immediately on the right as you enter Meadow Lane. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early or travel together where possible.
FOOD & DRINK
Our food and drink outlets will be open throughout the afternoon, serving a range of hot food, snacks and refreshments. Fans can also enjoy beers from our partners at Brew Point, including: Supernova Helles Lager, Genesis Stout, Foghorn Hazy Session IPA, Lodestar Pacific Pale Ale, and much more. The popular Pirate Burger will also be available alongside a selection of hot and cold food.
REAL COFFEE CART
The Real Coffee Cart will be open opposite the pitch, serving a wide range of freshly prepared coffees, teas and hot drinks from our very own Real Coffee.
CLUB SHOP
The Real Bedford Club Shop will be open throughout the afternoon. Supporters can purchase: 2026/27 replica kits, Hoodies & t-shirts, Accessories, Official club merchandise and much more.
ACCESSIBILITY
Two disabled parking bays are available outside the stadium. A designated accessible viewing area is located at the front of the main stand. For any accessibility enquiries, please contact: hello@realbedford.com
LIVE STREAM
This fixture will not be livestreamed.
FOLLOW THE MATCH
Social media coverage will be limited throughout pre-season, with updates kept to a minimum as the focus remains on preparations for the new campaign. A full match report and post-match reaction will be available on the club website shortly after full-time.
Follow @realbedford on X and Instagram for updates throughout pre-season.
26/27 Season Tickets On Sale Now
Over 2,000 spectators packed out Bedford Town's home ground next door to the Ledger Stadium to watch the eagerly anticipated first competitive meeting between these two Bedford sides.
The Eagles started the better team, receiving three corners in the first five minutes although they came to nothing as their towering centre half, Ryan Doherty, headed over twice.
Having been successful in his trial period, CJ Kiala was straight into the starting eleven for his first official game for the Pirates. The tricky winger slipped in Jordan Ponticelli who tested the palms of Laurie Walker but to no avail.
Bedford Town took the lead on 10 minutes through former Luton Town midfielder, George Moncur. Moncur showed his class as he came in from the right hand side and curled an effort on his left foot which sneaked past Real Bedford's trialist goalkeeper to make it 1-0 to the home side.
However, the Eagles' advantage was short-lived, and the Pirates bounced back through a beautiful debut goal for Kiala only five minutes later. The 19-year-old pulled off a few lovely stepovers before cutting in onto his left foot and letting fly a stunning finessed shot into the left corner from the edge of the box to level the scores at 1-1.
Real Bedford continued to pile the pressure onto Bedford Town following the equaliser with some slick play from a short corner by Conor Tee and Ben Stevens which called Walker into action.
Tee and Stevens linked up well again down the Pirates' left-hand side. Stevens fired a low cross into Tee but his guided effort from short range went just wide of the post.
Andi Thanoj, who was brilliant all game, found some space in midfield with a tidy dummy. Tee was then played through and brought down in the box after cutting in but the referee did not see any wrongdoing.
Tee was once again causing the Eagles' defence some problems as he played an enticing ball across the box, but no Real Bedford player was there to get on the end of it.
In between the Pirates' attacking pressure, Bedford Town were very close to taking the lead again as Lewis Franklin's cross somehow did not end up in the back of the net following some quick play from the home team.
Allen won a free kick in a promising position after some vintage forward play from Ponticelli but the set play resulted in a comfortable stop for Walker.
Against the run of play, Bedford Town regained the lead four minutes before half time. Ben Weyman's effort fell into Reading loanee Reece Evans' path and the striker had time to finish calmly to give the Eagles a 2-1 advantage on his debut.
The score remained going into the interval as the Pirates were unlucky to be going into the break behind.
Both sides made no changes for the second 45' but Real Bedford's trialist keeper almost gifted Bedford Town a goal only 30 seconds into the half. The trialists' pass went straight to Finley Wilkinson whose shot towards the goal bounced off the post and the mistake went unpunished.
Despite this the Pirates eventually came out strongest in the second half and Ponticelli found the net on minute 49 from Tee's ball across the box however our number 11 was adjudged to be marginally offside.
Stevens dispossessed the Eagles' midfield and rifled a low driven shot towards the corner from 25 yards out, forcing Walker into a solid stop down to his right.
The hosts hit the woodwork for the second time in the half as Wilkinson's initial effort deflected nicely back into his path. The forward had a second bite, but his half volley ricocheted off the crossbar which proved costly for the Eagles.
Only one minute later, the Pirates went down the other end with Tee who was in acres of space on the left-hand side again. The winger precisely picked out Ponticelli who deservedly got his goal with a cool finish from close range, and the scoreboard was level once more at 2-2 on the hour mark.
Real Bedford searched for a winner as we entered the last 25 minutes. An excellent counterattack led by some neat play from Allen and Stevens paved the way for Kiala to bomb down the right wing but unfortunately his cross was inches away from reaching Tee at the back post.
The Pirates were rewarded for their relentless pressure, and they took the lead for the first time in the match on the 70th minute. Allen made a superb driving run into the box gliding past two or three players, then he laid it back to none other than substitute Tom Hitchcock who fired home into the roof of the net to send the away fans wild and make it 3-2 to Real Bedford.
A feisty last 20 minutes followed and Allen forced a magnificent stop by Walker in net to stop the Pirates from getting their fourth with five left on the clock.
Allen came close again but could not find his feet or balance as another one of Tee's top deliveries went sailing past.
As we entered six minutes of additional time Real Bedford threw bodies on the line with a couple of vital blocks in and around the box. The Pirates swiftly turned defence into attack as they searched for another and they came agonisingly close to it as Mo Ahmed's mishit strike almost saw Hitchcock get on the end of it to grab his second in the dying embers.
The referee brought an end to a thrilling first competitive encounter between these two sides and Real Bedford were deservedly crowned county cup champions for the third time, in a game that was worth the wait.
Rob Sinclair's side go back to pre-season duties on Tuesday evening as they welcome St Albans City to the Ledger Stadium for a 19:45 kick off.
Real Bedford is delighted to announce the signing of exciting young winger CJ Kiala ahead of the new season. The 19-year-old joins the club as a highly promising talent, adding pace, creativity and ambition to the squad.
After impressing in his first match as a trialist against Berkhamsted with his skill, pace and direct approach, including winning a penalty after weaving past several Berkhamsted defenders, Sinclair wasted no time in getting him signed up.
CJ began playing football at a young age, he developed his game through grassroots football where his pace, skill and determination quickly stood out. His hard work and dedication earned him opportunities to trial with a number of clubs, including Luton Town, as he continued to progress and gain valuable experience.
A direct and exciting winger, CJ now arrives ready to take the next step in his career and is eager to contribute to the club’s ambitions for the season ahead.
Sinclair said “We’re delighted to bring CJ to the club. He’s got a fantastic attitude and is an exciting attacking player with real quality. We’re looking forward to working with him and seeing the impact he can make this season.”
CJ said: “I’m super excited for this season and excited to play for this club that has huge ambitions. I can’t wait to get started, meet the fans and do everything I can to help the team achieve its goals.”
Welcome to the Pirates, CJ.