Match Preview: FAWNL Cup First-Round – Real Bedford Women vs Derby County
Next up for the Pirates is an FAWNL Cup first round match against Derby County at the Ledger Stadium.
We finished top of Group L, beating Cambridge United, Norwich City and Peterborough United. Our first-round opponents also enjoyed a perfect group stage, beating Notts County, Sheffield FC and Lincoln United.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of Sunday.
MATCH DETAILS
Date: Sunday 19th October
Venue: Ledger Stadium, McMullen Park, Meadow Lane, Bedford, MK44 3LW.
Kick-Off: 2:00pm
TICKETS
You can purchase tickets on the club website here. Please note that there are no advance prices for this match and season ticket holders must buy an individual ticket for the game, as it is a cup tie.
The list of prices can be found below.
General Admission: £8
Concessions: £6
Child (U18): £2
Groundhopper Special: £15*
*Included in the ‘Groundhopper special’ is a match ticket, programme, a cold or hot drink at the bar and a metal pin badge.
THE OPPOSITION
We played Derby in pre-season, losing 4-1 at the Don Amott Arena. Abbie Bensted equalised for the Pirates just before the break, but the Ewes scored three second half goals to defeat Charlie Bill’s side.
So far this season, Derby have had a mixed start in the FAWNL Northern Premier Division. They have picked up seven points from seven matches, beating Halifax and Sporting Khalsa in September.
FAWNL CUP FORMAT EXPLAINED
After winning Group L, we qualified for the first-round of the FAWNL Cup. There were 22 groups in total, with the group winners joined by the 10 best runners-up in the first knockout round.
The remaining 12 runners-up and the 20 best third-placed teams will compete in the Plate knockout stage.
The full draw for the first-round of the FAWNL Cup can be found below:
· AFC Sudbury v Boldmere St. Michaels
· Middlesbrough v Rugby Borough
· Hull City v Leeds United
· Sporting Khalsa v Wolverhampton Wanderers
· Real Bedford v Derby County
· Burnley v Norton & Stockton Ancients
· West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City
· Leafield Athletic v Liverpool Feds
· Hashtag United v Lewes
· Cheltenham Town v Southampton Academy
· Swindon Town v Actonians
· Oxford United v Chelsea Academy
· Watford v Plymouth Argyle
· Dulwich Hamlet v Chatham Town
· Queens Park Rangers v AFC Bournemouth
· Exeter City v Fulham
GETTING TO THE LEDGER STADIUM
Fans coming from the M1 should get off the motorway at Junction 13 onto the A421 before continuing on the A421 Bedford bypass. From here, take the third slip road for the A603 Sandy. The ground is located 200 yards on the left.
As you turn left on Meadow Lane, you will see the Real Bedford logo signposted. The postcode you'll need for your SatNav is MK44 3LW.
PARKING
There is parking just before the Ledger Stadium on the left. Availability is limited, though, so we would advise travelling in groups.
When you turn left onto Meadow Lane, there is also an overflow car park immediately on the right.
FOOD AND DRINKS
Once you go through the turnstiles, go past the clubhouse on your right and towards the pitch straight ahead. Just before the playing surface, you’ll find two containers, with a range of food and drink options.
We serve a range of beers thanks to our partnership with Brewpoint. This includes Genesis Stout, Supernova Helles Lager, Foghorn Hazy Session IPA and Lodestar Pacific Pale Ale.
You can also try out our range of beers at the Official Brewpoint Hut, located adjacent to the tunnel and opposite the pitch. Inside the clubhouse, you can buy the Supernova Helles Lager, which is popular on matchdays.
It is also worth trying out the range of hot and cold food available, including the Pirate burger.
REAL COFFEE CART
The coffee cart, which is located opposite the pitch, has been a popular addition to the matchday experience at the Ledger Stadium. You will be able to try out the most popular hot drinks found in Real Coffee, located on the High Street in Bedford.
MERCHANDISE STORE
You can locate the merchandise store next to the coffee hut opposite the pitch. You can purchase the 2025/26 home and away shirts, Real Bedford branded jumpers, t-shirts, accessories and much more.
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
There are two bays of disabled parking outside the Ledger Stadium. Inside the ground, there is also a designated area for disabled supporters at the front of the main stand.
If you have any questions, contact us via email: hello@realbedford.com
LIVE STREAM FOR ALL SUPPORTERS
You can watch the game via our in-house streaming platform, PirateTV. Click the following link here to watch the game live on Sunday 19th October.
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 @RBFCWomen on X and @realbedfordwomen on Instagram.
