Real Bedford v Royston Town - FA Cup
Real Bedford begin their 2026/27 FA Cup campaign on home soil against Royston Town, with a place in the Second Qualifying Round up for grabs.
If the game ends in a draw, a replay will take place on Tuesday 8th September, with our Bedfordshire County Cup fixture to be rescheduled for a later date.
MATCH DETAILS
Date: Saturday 5th September 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. Tickets are cheaper when bought in advance, so secure yours now and save.
Please note that season tickets are invalid for all cup fixtures.
Advance Prices:
Adult: £12
Concession (60+): £7
Youth (13-17): £4
Child (Under 12): £2
Matchday Prices:
Adult: £14
Concession (60+): £9
Youth (13-17): £6
Child (Under 12): £3
OPPOSITION FOCUS
Real Bedford begin their 2026/27 FA Cup campaign against familiar opposition as Royston Town make the trip to The Ledger Stadium for Saturday’s First Qualifying Round tie.
The Crows, managed by Chris Watters, compete in the Southern League Division One Central after being relegated from Step 3 in the 2025/26 season. The Crows arrive in Bedford having already negotiated one round of this season’s competition. Royston booked their place in the First Qualifying Round with a 3-0 victory away to West Essex in the Preliminary Round.
Royston are no strangers to Real Bedford, with the sides meeting three times previously. Their first encounter came in a pre-season friendly in July 2024, when the Crows ran out 3-2 winners at The Ledger Stadium.
The clubs then shared a division during the 2025/26 Southern League Premier Central campaign, with Real Bedford completing the league double. The Pirates secured a 2-0 home victory in October 2025, Josh Allen scoring both goals after the break.
Real Bedford followed that up with a 2-1 victory at Royston in February. Adam Murray gave the hosts an early lead, but goals from Josh Allen and Josh Setchell turned the game around before half-time and ensured the Pirates returned home with all three points.
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 all day, 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 be available, alongside a selection of hot and cold food, from our food kiosk, which will be firing up throughout the afternoon, serving all your favourites including burgers, hot dogs and more.
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 be livestreamed for international supporters upon confirmation. Watch on PirateTV.
FOLLOW THE MATCH
Can’t make it to the Ledger Stadium? You can follow the action live via our X account, with key match updates throughout the afternoon. Half-time and full-time updates will also be shared across all our social media channels.
A full match report will be available on the website shortly after the final whistle, while match highlights will be uploaded to our YouTube channel in the days following the fixture.
Follow @realbedford on X and Instagram.