Pre-Season Friendly Preview: Berkhamsted v Real Bedford
Real Bedford continue preparations for the 2026/27 campaign on Saturday afternoon with a trip to The Glencar Stadium to take on familiar opponents Berkhamsted.
MATCH DETAILS
Date: Saturday 18th July 2026
Kick-Off: 1pm
Venue: Glencar Community Stadium, Lower Kings Road, Hertfordshire, HP4 2AL
TICKETS
Tickets are available to purchase on the gate.
Adult: £10
Concession: £7
Child: £3
OPPOSITION FOCUS
Berkhamsted have established themselves as one of the strongest clubs in the region in recent years. The two sides developed a fierce rivalry during the 2024/25 Southern League Division One Central campaign, where they emerged as the standout contenders in an thrilling title race.
Relegated from Step 3 the previous season, Berkhamsted immediately re-established themselves as promotion challengers, while Real Bedford enjoyed a remarkable first season at Step 4. The rivalry produced two memorable league encounters. January’s meeting at the Ledger Stadium proved a pivotal moment in the title race as the Pirates claimed an emphatic 5-1 victory, moving above Berkhamsted at the summit. When the sides met again in March, Berkhamsted held Real Bedford to a hard-fought 0-0 draw at the Glencar Community Stadium, but the Pirates maintained their advantage before eventually lifting the league title with 104 points, finishing 15 clear of second-placed Berkhamsted.
Both clubs secured promotion that season, with Berkhamsted returning to Step 3 via the play-offs. Last season, The Comrades competed in the Southern League Premier Division South, where they enjoyed another impressive campaign by finishing in the play-off places and reaching the play-off semi-finals.
GETTING TO THE Glencar STADIUM
The stadium is easily accessible via the A41. Leave the A41 at the Berkhamsted exit and follow signs towards the town centre before turning onto Lower Kings Road. Continue over the canal bridge and take the first left onto Broadwater, where the stadium is located on the right-hand side.
Please note that parking at the ground is limited, so supporters are encouraged to use one of the nearby public car parks, all within a five-minute walk of the stadium
The nearest station is Berkhamsted, served by London Northwestern Railway services between London Euston and Milton Keynes/Northampton. The station is approximately a five-minute walk from the Glencar Community Stadium, making it an easy trip for travelling Pirates supporters.
FOLLOW THE MATCH
Social media coverage will be limited throughout pre-season, with updates kept to a minimum as the focus remains on preparations for the new campaign. A full match report and post-match reaction will be available on the club website shortly after full-time.
Follow @realbedford on X and Instagram for updates throughout pre-season.
