Match Preview: Bishop’s Stortford vs Real Bedford - FA Cup Replay
After Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Bishop’s Stortford, we will play a replay against the Blues for a chance to play in the second qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Josh Allen’s first-half strike was cancelled out by a 57th minute equaliser from Fabio Virciglio.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of Tuesday’s FA Cup replay.
MATCH DETAILS
Date: Tuesday 2nd September
Venue: Woodside Park, Dunmow Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 5RG.
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
TICKETS
The General Admission prices for matches at Woodside Park are as follows:
Adult - £15
Concessions - £10
Students (ID Required) - £8
All children Under 12’s admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult.
HOW TO GET TO WOODSIDE PARK
Supporters should eventually get on the A120 towards Bishop’s Stortford before taking the first exit onto the A1250. From here, follow the A1250 towards Woodside Park, where you’ll find the ground at the bottom of the road.
There is on-site parking, which typically costs £3, but it fills up quickly on matchday, so try to arrive as quickly as possible. The location for your SatNav is CM23 5RG.
THE OPPOSITION
Steve Castle was announced as Bishop’s Stortford manager in May 2024 and led his side to a 15th place finish in the Southern League Premier Central last season. They won 14, drew nine and lost 19, finishing 14 points clear of the relegation zone.
They also came within one game of reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup. The Blues beat Cornard United, Hemel Hempstead Town and Hereford before losing to Braintree Town in the final qualifying round.
The 2025/26 campaign has seen Castle’s side win all five of their league matches so far. In this time, they have scored 13 and only conceded two. Over the bank holiday weekend, they enjoyed consecutive victories against Stratford Town and Royston Town, winning 2-1 and 2-0, respectively.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FIRST MATCH AGAINST BISHOP’S STORTFORD?
An end-to-end FA Cup clash finished 1-1, with both sides coming close to winning on the day. A lofted through ball from Shaheim Ward found Allen on the right wing, who cut in and curled a left-footed effort into the bottom left corner to give the Pirates a one-goal advantage after 17 minutes.
Bishop’s Stortford were dangerous throughout and levelled the match just before the hour break through Virciglio. In the late stages, Joey Evans came close for the Pirates, while a low cross from T’aizo Marcel-Dilaver just missed Presley Evans and Nahum Melvin-Lambert in the 94th minute.
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 replay against Bishop’s Stortford.
FOLLOW THE MATCH ON SOCIAL MEDIA
If you can’t make the game, you can follow the match via our official X and Instagram accounts. A match report will also be posted on the club website, detailing the key moments in the game.
Follow @realbedford on X and Instagram.
