Real Bedford are writing a new chapter in their FA Cup story. Following a commanding 4-1 victory over Royston Town, the Pirates have reached the second qualifying round for the first time under the Real Bedford name, with a trip to Harleston Town offering another opportunity to keep the adventure going. 

Since becoming Real Bedford in 2022, the Pirates have won three consecutive league titles, climbing through the non-league pyramid and giving supporters plenty to celebrate at McMullen Park, now the Ledger Stadium. Alongside that league success, the FA Cup has provided memorable evenings, exciting football and valuable experience.

The Early fa Cup Chapters

The club’s connection with the competition stretches back beyond the Real Bedford name. Following the merger of Bedford United and US Valerio in 2002, Bedford United & Valerio entered that season’s FA Cup against Brook House. A year later, they celebrated a 1-0 extra preliminary-round win over Harefield United before facing St Neots Town in the preliminary round. Further appearances followed under the Bedford FC name, laying the foundations for today’s cup story. 

One memorable FA Cup encounter before the rebrand came on 16th August 2014, when Bedford FC faced Kings Langley in the extra preliminary round. With the tie switched to Kings Langley’s ground, Bedford made an excellent start: Ashley Kersey opened the scoring after 12 minutes before Luigi Rocco doubled the advantage in the second half.

Bedford’s attacking play put them within reach of progressing, but goals from Alex Campana and Tom Carter brought Kings level before Nick Jackson’s 89th-minute winner settled a dramatic contest 3-2. Read the original match report

The Real fa Cup chapters

The first campaign as Real Bedford, in 2023/24, brought an early taste of FA Cup excitement. A 2-2 draw away to FC Clacton on 8th August earned a replay at McMullen Park, where the Pirates delivered a performance to remember.

Charlie Smith opened the scoring with a free-kick, Ben Stevens added a second and Josh Setchell struck twice as Bedford secured an impressive 4-1 victory. It was the club’s first FA Cup win under its new name. Clacton replay report

Next came Milton Keynes Irish in the preliminary round. Having fallen two goals behind, Real Bedford fought back through a Joey Evans penalty and a Stevens finish to reach half-time level at 2-2.

Irish restored their two-goal advantage after the break, but the Pirates kept pushing. Stevens scored his second to make it 4-3, and the Pirates came close to forcing another replay when Evans stepped up for a late penalty. His effort was saved, bringing an entertaining campaign to an end. MK Irish match report

The 2024/25 competition brought another closely contested tie, this time against St Neots Town at the Ledger Stadium. Ben Stevens and Jack Snelus were on target, but a late own goal settled the match 3-2 in the visitors’ favour. Real Bedford’s season would nevertheless bring significant success, with the Southern League Division One Central title securing a third consecutive promotion. St Neots match report

That progress meant the Pirates entered the 2025/26 FA Cup at the first qualifying round. Bishop’s Stortford the opposition, with a 1-1 draw at home on 30th August taking the tie to a replay at Woodside Park.

Real Bedford created numerous chances in the return fixture, only to find Stortford goalkeeper Adam Hayton in excellent form. Bradley Russell’s goal gave the hosts a 1-0 victory, but Rob Sinclair expressed pride in his side’s performance while acknowledging the opportunities they had been unable to convert. Bishop’s Stortford replay report

This season, the Pirates have taken another step forward. Hosting Royston Town on 5th September 2026, Real Bedford produced a convincing display to win 4-1. Conor Tee, Archie Jones, Jordan Ponticelli and Claudio Kiala all found the net as the home supporters celebrated a place in the second qualifying round. Royston match report

Attention now turns to Harleston Town on Saturday 19th September, with kick-off at 3pm at Wilderness Lane. A place in the third qualifying round awaits the winners, giving the Pirates plenty to look forward to. Harleston match preview