Real Bedford have been drawn at home to Ashford United in the first round of the Isuzu FA Trophy.

The match will take place on Saturday 25th October and kick-off at 3pm.

In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will take place to decide who will reach the second round of the competition. The tie is one of 32 across the country.

The Opponents

Ashford United play in the Isthmian League South East Division, which is step four of the non-league pyramid. They are 21st in the table after seven matches, winning one, drawing two and losing four.

They have already won three qualifying rounds in the FA Trophy, beating Herne Bay, Deal Town and Biggleswade FC. On Saturday, they beat Biggleswade on penalties after drawing 3-3 in normal time.

FA Trophy – 2024/25 Performance

Our 2024/25 FA Trophy campaign started with a hard-fought victory against Walthamstow. Isaac Galliford’s first-half strike was cancelled out by Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi. In the 88th minute, Josh Setchell secured the victory for the Pirates, slotting the ball past the goalkeeper from inside the box.

Next up was a home game against Leighton Town. It ended up being a comfortable 4-0 victory for Sinclair’s side, with goals coming from Joey Evans, Setchell, Eniola Agemoh-Davies and an impressive halfway-line effort from Ben Stevens.

Our hopes of reaching the first round proper of the FA Trophy ended with a 3-0 defeat to Bowers & Pitsea. The hosts, who played in the Isthmian League Premier Division, proved to be too strong for the Pirates and progressed with goals from Alex Teniola and TQ Addy.

First Qualifying Round - Walthamstow 1-2 Real Bedford

Second Qualifying Round - Real Bedford 4-0 Leighton Town

Third Qualifying Round - Bowers & Pitsea 3-0 Real Bedford