Match Preview: Real Bedford v Needham Market
Real Bedford have been excellent in recent outings, they come into this fixture on the back of an impressive 4-3 win against Alvechurch, the Pirates scored two in stoppage time to secure three points. Rob Sinclair’s side are sitting in third with 59 points.
MATCH DETAILS
Date: Tuesday 24th February 2026
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
Venue: Ledger Stadium, McMullen Park, Meadow Lane, Bedford, MK44 3LW.
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.
THE OPPOSITION
After the 2017–18 season, Needham market was placed in the southern league premier division central following a restructure of the non-league system. They lifted the Suffolk premier cup in 2019–20, beating Lowestoft town 4–3 on aggregate, and made their first-ever fa cup first round appearance in 2022–23, losing 2–0 at Burton Albion. A title win in 2023–24 saw them crowned premier division central champions and promoted to the national league north, but they were relegated the following season after finishing third from bottom.
During the current campaign, Needham Market are currently sitting in seventh, two points outside the play-off places. The Marketmen drew their last two 1-1, so they’ll be looking to build on recent outings.
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
All supporters can watch the game via our in-house streaming platform, PirateTV.
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.
