After three consecutive league titles, the journey continues for Real Bedford. Rob Sinclair’s side will begin their season in the third tier of the non-league pyramid with a home match against Spalding United.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the big day.

Match Details

Date: Saturday 9th August
Venue: Ledger Stadium, McMullen Park, Meadow Lane, Bedford, MK44 3LW.
Kick-Off: 3:00pm

Tickets

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 (U19’s): Free
Groundhopper Special: £15*

Ticket prices on the day can be found below:

General Admission: £12
Concession: £8
Child (U19’s): £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.

Buy Tickets

What League Are We Playing in?

After last year’s title victory in the Southern League Division One Central, we will play in the Southern League Premier Central. This is the seventh tier of the English pyramid. It is also the third step in the non-league pyramid, meaning we are three promotions away from the English Football League (EFL).

Premier League
EFL Championship
EFL League One
EFL League Two
National League
National League North and South
Southern League Premier Central (This is where we are)

The Opposition

Jimmy Dean was appointed as Spalding United manager in August 2024. Previously, he achieved four promotions with Peterborough Sports and also managed Scunthorpe United between 2023 and 2024.

Dean led the Tulips to a seventh-place finish last season, finishing three points behind Harborough Town, who occupied the final play-off spot. The experienced manager has already made some astute additions this summer, meaning they will provide a stern test for the Pirates on opening day.

Merchandise Store

Once you get through the turnstiles at the Ledger Stadium, you’ll see the clubhouse on the right. Inside the clubhouse, you’ll find the club shop where you can buy replica shirts, Real Bedford branded jumpers, t-shirts, accessories and much more.

You can also pre-order the 2025/26 home and away shirts on the club’s online shop here.

Food and Drink

Inside the clubhouse, a variety of hot and cold food options are available, including burgers and sausage rolls. We also 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.

The best place to try out our range of beers is at our Official Brewpoint Hut, located adjacent to the tunnel and opposite the pitch. You can also purchase draft beer inside the clubhouse, especially the Supernova Helles Lager, which is popular on matchdays.

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

We are delighted to announce our in-house streaming platform for home league games this season.

Click the following link here to watch the game live on Saturday 9th August.

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 from the game.

Follow @realbedford on X and Instagram.

Win a signed Real bedford home shirt

Grab an advanced ticket for our opening league match against Spalding United and you’ll be entered into a draw to win a signed Real Bedford home shirt.