Match Preview: Spalding United v Real Bedford - Play Off Final
Now more than ever, the Pirates need you behind them.
Here we go, one final fixture for the Pirates to make history. We take on Spalding United in the Southern League Premier Central Play Off Final. We need YOU behind us…
If this fixture ends in a draw, extra time, and then penalties will follow.
Date: Monday 4th May
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Sir Halley Stewart Field
Ticket Information
Due to last-minute changes, this fixture will now be segregated. Tickets are Sold Out, and will not be available for purchase at the gate on matchday, so please do not travel without a valid ticket.
All Real Bedford supporters must enter the ground via the designated Away Turnstiles 6 and 7.
If you have accidentally purchased a Home ticket for this fixture, please still use the Away Turnstiles when entering the ground.
Real Bedford Fan Bus
Official coaches will be running to the play-off final, giving supporters the chance to travel together and back the team as one. Coaches will depart from the Ledger Stadium at 12:00 and return shortly after the game.
Tickets are £20 for adults and £10 for children. Spaces are limited, so be sure to book early to secure your place.
ClubberTv live stream
ClubberTV will stream the final live on their website, click here to watch and follow the action in real time.
Sir Halley Stewart Field Info
The Sir Halley Stewart Field, home of Spalding United FC, is near Spalding town centre, opposite the bus station (Winfrey Avenue), close to the railway station (King’s Road), and next to a retail park with B&Q and Iceland.
From the train station, cross to Sainsbury’s, walk past Wilko and Argos, then head toward B&Q, the stadium is just to its left. Entry is via the main turnstiles on Winfrey Avenue.
Parking is available nearby, including pay-and-display opposite the ground and limited free parking within a few minutes’ walk (typically up to 3 hours at peak times).
THE OPPOSITION
In 2016–17, Spalding finished third in Division One South to reach the play-offs, defeating Stocksbridge Park Steels 3–2 in the semi-finals before falling 2–1 to Witton Albion in the final. A similar story followed in 2022–23, finishing third in Division One Midlands, beating Sporting Khalsa 2–1 in the semi-finals but losing 2–1 to Halesowen Town in the final.
They finally broke through the following season, winning the division to secure promotion to the Premier Division Central of the Southern League. During the current campaign, the Tulips finished second with 85 points. Last time out, Spalding managed to overcome Halesowen with a 1-0 home win, Yusifu Ceesay was the goal scorer.
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.
