Real Bedford have been drawn away to Chesham United in the Third Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup, with the tie set to take place at The Meadow on Saturday 3rd October.

The Pirates will head to Buckinghamshire looking to make it three wins from three in this season’s competition and secure a place in the Fourth Qualifying Round.

Our cup campaign began with a convincing 4-1 victory over Royston Town at The Ledger Stadium. Conor Tee, Archie Jones, Jordan Ponticelli and CJ Kiala were all on target as Real Bedford progressed through the First Qualifying Round. 

A trip to Norfolk followed on Saturday 19th September, when goals from Kiala and Tee secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Harleston Town at Wilderness Lane to put the Pirates into the hat for the next round.

Subsequently, our league fixture against Anstey Nomads scheduled for Saturday 3rd October, will be rescheduled. 

Match details

Competition: FA Cup - Third Round Qualifying

Date: Saturday 3rd October 2026

Kick-off: 3pm

Venue: The Meadow, Amy Lane, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1NE.

Opposition Focus

Chesham will provide a step up in opposition, with our hosts competing in the National League South, one level above Real Bedford. They finished 11th last season, having won the Southern League Premier South title in 2023/24. 

Formed in 1917 following the merger of Chesham Town and Chesham Generals, Chesham United have a long cup tradition. Their honours include an FA Cup Third Round appearance in 1980 and a trip to Wembley for the 1968 FA Amateur Cup final. The Meadow will now provide the setting for the next challenge in the Pirates’ own cup campaign. 

More details will be shared ahead of the fixture.