Emirates FA Cup Draw Revealed
Real Bedford have been drawn at home to Bishop’s Stortford in the Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round.
The match will take place on Saturday 30th August and kick-off at 3pm.
In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, a replay will take place at Bishop’s Stortford. The replay must be scheduled on or before Thursday 4th September.
The tie is one of 112 across the country, as all step three teams in the non-league pyramid enter the competition.
How Many Wins are Required to Reach the First Round Proper?
We will have to win four qualifying rounds to reach the first round of the FA Cup, including the match against Bishop’s Stortford.
FA Cup performance - 2024/25
Extra Preliminary Round - Real Bedford 2-3 St Neots Town
After being placed in the extra preliminary round, the Pirates fell short against St Neots Town at the Ledger Stadium.
Goals from Ben Stevens and Jack Snelus were not enough, as the visitors secured a late 3-2 victory through a Jacques Kpohomouh own goal.
The Opponents
Bishop’s Stortford lead the way in the Southern League Premier Central, winning their first three matches. They’ve scored nine and only conceded one, beating Bromsgrove Sporting, AFC Sudbury and Stamford.
Last season, they came within one game of reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup. They beat Cornard United, Hemel Hempstead Town and Hereford before losing to Braintree Town in the final qualifying round.
