Chesham United v Real Bedford - FA Cup
Real Bedford travel to The Meadow on Saturday 3rd October as the Pirates face Chesham United in the Third Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
After victories over Royston Town and Harleston Town, Real Bedford now face a test against National League South opposition, with a place in the Fourth Qualifying Round at stake.
MATCH DETAILS
Competition: Emirates FA Cup - Third Qualifying Round
Date: Saturday 3rd October 2026
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: The Meadow, Amy Lane, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1NE
TICKETS
Match tickets are available online here and on the day.
Please note: tickets on the day will be at an increased price.
Adult: £14
Over 65s: £12
Students with ID: £12
Next Gen (18-23): £10
Under 18s: £5
Under 14s: £1 - must be accompanied by someone over 18.
OPPOSITION FOCUS
Chesham United compete in the National League South, at Step 2 of the non-league pyramid, one level above Real Bedford.
The Generals earned promotion by winning the Southern League Premier South title in 2023/24, securing their first season in the National League South. They have since established themselves at that level, finishing 11th last season.
Chesham currently sit 18th with 10 points from 10 league matches, having recorded three wins, one draw and six defeats. Their league campaign has included convincing victories, with a 4-0 success at AFC Totton and a 4-1 win at Horsham demonstrating their attacking capabilities.
However, the Generals head into Saturday’s tie looking to respond to a 4-0 home defeat against Maidenhead United last weekend.
Chesham entered this season’s FA Cup in the Second Qualifying Round and made an emphatic start, beating Ware 7-2 at The Meadow on Saturday 19th September to set up this meeting with the Pirates.
The club also have considerable FA Cup history. Chesham reached the Third Round Proper in 1980, the Second Round in 2015 and more recently appeared in the First Round Proper in both 2023 and 2024.
THE FA CUP – WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Victory would send Real Bedford into the Fourth Qualifying Round on Saturday 17th October, leaving the Pirates one further tie away from the First Round Proper.
If Saturday’s match finishes level after 90 minutes, the teams will meet again in a replay at the Ledger Stadium. Should that replay remain level after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time will follow, with penalties deciding the winner if required.
The next round dates are:
Fourth Qualifying Round: Saturday 17th October 2026
First Round Proper: Saturday 7th November 2026
Second Round Proper: Saturday 5th December 2026
Any replay arrangements will be confirmed through the club’s official channels.
FAN COACH – BACK THE PIRATES ON THE ROAD
Join our fan coach and get behind the Pirates in Chesham!
Our coach departs The Ledger Stadium at 12pm on Saturday 3rd October.
Coach tickets are £25 for adults and £10 for children. Secure your seat and travel with fellow supporters for our FA Cup Third Qualifying Round tie.
Match admission is available separately online or on the day.
GETTING TO THE GROUND
Address: The Meadow, Amy Lane, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1NE.
By car and parking
Use HP5 1NE for your sat-nav. The ground’s car park is accessed via the main entrance drive, with parking priced at £3 per car and £5 for minibuses, payable in cash.
Additional parking is available on the gravel area at The Moor (HP5 1SF), which is free and has a height-restricted entrance suitable for cars only. Paid alternatives include Watermeadow Car Park (HP5 1LF) and Star Yard (HP5 1EP), approximately five to ten minutes’ walk from the ground.
On-street parking nearby is limited. Please respect local residents and avoid blocking driveways.
By public transport
Chesham station is served by the Metropolitan line and is approximately five to ten minutes’ walk from The Meadow.
From the station, head down Station Road towards the High Street and turn left through the town. Cross at the pedestrian crossing opposite the Red Lion, bear left and continue past the two petrol stations. The ground entrance is at the next roundabout.
FOLLOW THE MATCH
Unable to join us in Chesham? Follow @realbedford on X and Instagram for match updates, with half-time and full-time coverage across our social media channels. While a match report will be posted shortly after the final whistle.