Match Preview: Real Bedford v Needham Market
Rob Sinclair’s side will be focused on claiming all three points as they host Needham Market in their first home fixture of 2026, with a play-off place firmly in their sights.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the match:
MATCH DETAILS
Date: Saturday 10th January 2026
Venue: Ledger Stadium, McMullen Park, Meadow Lane, Bedford, MK44 3LW.
Kick-Off: 3pm
TICKETS
This season, we’ve kept ticket prices the same when you buy online in advance, £10 for adults, £6 for concessions, and free entry for under-18s. On the day, prices increase to £12 for adults, £8 for concessions, and £2 for Under-18s. Book early to save.
Advance tickets are available to buy on the club website here. The list of advance prices can be found below:
General Admission: £10
Concession: £6
Child (U18): Free
Groundhopper Special: £15*
Ticket prices on the day can be found below:
General Admission: £12
Concession: £8
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.
BITCOIN MEETUP DETAILS
We’re excited to host our second Bitcoin Meet-up of the season. Purchase your tickets for the meet-up and game here.
Included in the Bitcoin Meetup Will Be:
Arrivals & Welcome - Meet fellow attendees, grab a drink, and settle in.
Recap of Our Previous Meet-up - A brief look back at the discussions and insights from last time.
Feature Presentation - Cyphermunk House, London’s Bitcoin Art Gallery & Hub - What is it? Where is it? Why it matters.
Documentary Review - A look at Dirty Coin, the Bitcoin mining documentary.
Discussion & Q&A with Peter McCormack - Open conversation, questions, and deeper insights.
Networking & Pizza - Relaxed chats, connections, and good food.
Closing: Future Themes & Meet-up Ideas - Help shape what comes next.
THE OPPOSITION
Needham Market moved to the Southern League Premier Central in 2017–18, won the Suffolk Premier Cup in 2019–20, and reached the FA Cup first round for the first time in 2022–23. They were promoted to the National League North as champions in 2023–24 but were relegated the following season.
The Marketmen have had a great start to the season, currently sitting in fourth. Tom Rothery’s side hasn’t been as consistent on the road compared to their home record; Needham Market have won four away fixtures this season. Luke Ingram is the club’s top goal scorer with nine goals to his name this season; he’ll remain a threat in Saturday’s fixture.
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 to 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 Brew Point. 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 Brew Point 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 DETAILS
International supporters can watch the game via our in-house streaming platform, PirateTV. However, UK supporters will be unable to watch our livestream, due to our National Blackout rules.
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.
