Match Preview: Real Bedford vs Bishop’s Stortford
After picking up five points from our first five league matches, our attention now turns to the FA Cup. In the first qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup, we will face fellow Southern League Premier Central side Bishop’s Stortford.
The Blues have enjoyed a perfect start to their step three campaign, winning all five of their league matches, giving them a two-point lead at the top of the table.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup clash.
MATCH DETAILS
Date: Saturday 30th August
Venue: Ledger Stadium, McMullen Park, Meadow Lane, Bedford, MK44 3LW.
Kick-Off: 3:00pm
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 an FA Cup tie.
The list of prices can be found below.
General Admission: £12
Concessions: £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
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.
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 match 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.
