Harleston Town v Real Bedford - FA Cup
Real Bedford head to Norfolk on Saturday 19th September as we face Harleston Town in the Second Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
The Pirates secured their place with a convincing 4-1 victory over Royston Town at The Ledger Stadium. Now, a trip to Wilderness Lane stands between us and the Third Qualifying Round, with our hosts looking to extend a historic cup run.
MATCH DETAILS
Competition: Emirates FA Cup - Second Qualifying Round
Date: Saturday 19th September 2026
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Harleston Town FC, Recreation Ground, Wilderness Lane, Harleston, Norfolk, IP20 9DD
TICKETS
Match tickets will only be available at the ground on the day.
Adults and concessions: £5
Under 18: FREE
OPPOSITION FOCUS
Founded in 1885, Harleston Town compete in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division, at Step 5 of the non-league pyramid, two levels below the Pirates.
Our hosts sit 15th in the league table, with five points from five matches following one win, two draws and two defeats. Their cup commitments mean they have played fewer league games than most sides in the division.
The FA Cup has provided plenty to celebrate. Adam Gusterson’s side reached the Second Qualifying Round for the first time in the club’s history by beating Romford 3-1, another milestone for a club that only made its competition debut three years ago.
THE FA CUP – WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The winners will advance to the Third Qualifying Round, scheduled for Saturday 3rd October. The Fourth Qualifying Round follows on 17th October, with the First Round Proper taking place on 7th November.
If Saturday’s match finishes level after 90 minutes, there will be a replay at The Ledger Stadium.
If the replay is level after 90 minutes, the teams will play 30 minutes of extra time. If the scores remain level, a penalty shootout will decide who progresses.
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 Norfolk!
Our 50-seater coach, equipped with an onboard toilet, departs The Ledger Stadium at 11:30am on Saturday 19th September.
Coach tickets are £25 for adults and £10 for children. Secure your seat and travel with fellow supporters for our FA Cup Second Qualifying Round tie.
Match admission is available separately at Harleston on the day.
FOOD AT THE GROUND
Supporters should note that chips will be the only food available at the ground. Other food options are available nearby in Harleston, so allow time before kick-off if you would like something more substantial.
GETTING TO THE GROUND
Matchday address: Harleston Town FC, Recreation Ground, Wilderness Lane, Harleston, Norfolk, IP20 9DD.
Vehicle access and the main car park are off Wilderness Lane. Some maps may still show Swan Lane or the postcode IP20 9AW, so please use the matchday address above. If your sat-nav requires a house number, use 29 Wilderness Lane, IP20 9DD.
From Norwich - approximately 30-40 minutes: Take the A140 south, then join the A143 towards Bungay and Harleston. Exit for Harleston and follow signs towards the town centre, then London Road and Wilderness Lane.
From Ipswich - approximately 55-65 minutes: Follow the A140 north, then take the A143 towards Harleston and follow signs to Wilderness Lane.
From Bury St Edmunds or Diss: Follow the A143 east towards Harleston, then head towards the town centre, London Road and Wilderness Lane.
Allow extra time for traffic and parking on arrival.
PARKING
At the ground: The Recreation Ground car park is accessed from Wilderness Lane. Spaces are limited, so early arrival is advised.
Town centre alternatives: Free parking options include the East of England Co-op car park, IP20 9AT, and St John’s Church car park on Broad Street, IP20 9AZ. Both are approximately five to eight minutes’ walk from the ground. Please check signs for any restrictions.
Drop-offs: Broad Street and The Thoroughfare have 30-minute parking bays suitable for short stops.
From the Co-op car park, walk via Bullock Fair Close and The Thoroughfare towards Swan Lane, then follow London Road to Wilderness Lane. Allow around seven to eight minutes.
From St John’s Church car park, head along Broad Street and Old Market Place towards London Road, then continue to Wilderness Lane. Allow around six to seven minutes.
EV charging is available at the Co-op car park. Toilets are available in the town centre and at the ground on matchdays.
FOLLOW THE MATCH
Unable to join us in Norfolk? 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.