Pre-Season Friendly Preview: Real Bedford v Harborough Town
The Pirates return to the Ledger Stadium for the first home fixture of pre-season as preparations for the 2026/27 campaign start with a visit from familiar rivals Harborough Town.
MATCH DETAILS
Date: Saturday 11th July 2026
Kick-Off: 3pm
Venue: Ledger Stadium, McMullen Park, Meadow Lane, Bedford, MK44 3LW
TICKETS
Tickets are available to purchase online via the club website here.
Adult: £6
Concession (60+): £4
Youth (13-17): £1
Child (Under 12): FREE
Supporters are encouraged to purchase in advance to help speed up entry on matchday.
OPPOSITION FOCUS
Harborough Town arrive in Bedford following a remarkable 2025/26 campaign, lifting the Southern League Premier Central title to secure promotion to the National League North for the first time in the club’s history. The Bees finished top of the table after an outstanding season under Mitch Austin, earning a third promotion in five years.
The two clubs developed a competitive rivalry last season, with both league meetings ending all square. At Bowden Park, in a 1-1 draw, while the return fixture at the Ledger Stadium saw the Pirates twice battle back to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw, with Josh Allen scoring a stoppage-time equaliser.
Harborough’s leading scorer last season was experienced striker Danny Newton, who finished as the club’s top marksman in the league with nine goals despite spending part of the campaign on loan back at Brackley Town.
GETTING TO THE LEDGER STADIUM
Fans travelling via the M1 should leave the motorway at Junction 13 before joining the A421 Bedford Bypass. Continue on the A421 before taking the A603 Sandy exit. The Ledger Stadium is approximately 200 yards on the left-hand side of Meadow Lane. Follow the Real Bedford signage upon turning onto Meadow Lane. Sat Nav: MK44 3LW
PARKING
Limited parking is available immediately before the Ledger Stadium on the left-hand side. An overflow car park is also available immediately on the right as you enter Meadow Lane. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early or travel together where possible.
FOOD & DRINK
Our food and drink outlets will be open throughout the afternoon, serving a range of hot food, snacks and refreshments. Fans can also enjoy beers from our partners at Brew Point, including: Supernova Helles Lager, Genesis Stout, Foghorn Hazy Session IPA, Lodestar Pacific Pale Ale, and much more. The popular Pirate Burger will also be available alongside a selection of hot and cold food.
REAL COFFEE CART
The Real Coffee Cart will be open opposite the pitch, serving a wide range of freshly prepared coffees, teas and hot drinks from our very own Real Coffee.
CLUB SHOP
The Real Bedford Club Shop will be open throughout the afternoon. Supporters can purchase: 2026/27 replica kits, Hoodies & t-shirts, Accessories, Official club merchandise and much more.
ACCESSIBILITY
Two disabled parking bays are available outside the stadium. A designated accessible viewing area is located at the front of the main stand. For any accessibility enquiries, please contact: hello@realbedford.com
LIVE STREAM
This fixture will not be livestreamed.
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.
