The Big One… Real Bedford v Kettering Town
Two teams. One stadium. A battle that will have every fan on the edge of their seat. Real Bedford take on Kettering Town in a match that will be full of intensity, passion, and unforgettable moments. Get your tickets now and witness it all live.
It is a busy bank holiday weekend for the Pirates with two games in three days. The first of these two matches is our second home game of the season against Kettering Town.
The Poppies missed out on promotion in the 2024/25 campaign, finishing second behind Bedford Town. They went on to lose 3-2 in the play-off final against AFC Telford United.
We advise all fans to purchase their tickets in advance.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of Saturday 23rd August.
Match Details
Date: Saturday 23rd August
Venue: Ledger Stadium, McMullen Park, Meadow Lane, Bedford, MK44 3LW.
Kick-Off: 3:00pm
Tickets
This season, we've frozen ticket prices when bought online in advance. Adults are just £10, concessions £6, and kids go free. On the day, prices rise to £12 for adults, £8 for concessions, and £2 for kids. Book early and save.
Please ensure you select the correct ticket when purchasing, as we now have separate tickets for Real Bedford fans and Kettering Town fans.
Advance tickets are available to buy on the club website here. The list of advance prices can be found below:
General Admission: £10
Concession: £6
Child (U18): Free
Groundhopper Special: £15*
Ticket prices on the day can be found below:
General Admission: £12
Concession: £8
Child (U18): £2
Groundhopper Special: £15*
*Included in the ‘Groundhopper special’ is a match ticket, programme, a cold or hot drink at the bar and a metal pin badge.
The Opposition
Kettering Town missed out on promotion to step two last season, losing to AFC Telford United in the play-off final. This led to the dismissal of Richard Lavery, who was replaced by Simon Hollyhead.
Hollyhead has previously been the assistant manager at Champions League side Malmö FF, Brann and Stevenage before taking on the manager role at Banbury in May 2024. He led the Puritans to a 12th place finish in the Southern League Premier Central last season.
Kettering have no shortage of attacking talent, signing Leon Lobjoit in the summer, who scored 27 goals for title-winners Bedford Town last season. This was only bettered by Matthew Stenson in the Southern League Premier Central, who scored 31.
Former Norwich City, Leyton Orient and Southend United striker Jamar Loza also signed for the Poppies in March 2025 and has been retained for this season.
New Food and Drink Containers Next to Tunnel
Once you go through the turnstiles, go past the clubhouse on your right and towards the pitch straight ahead. Just before the playing surface, you’ll find our new containers, with a range of food and drink options.
We serve a range of beers thanks to our partnership with Brewpoint. This includes Genesis Stout, Supernova Helles Lager, Foghorn Hazy Session IPA and Lodestar Pacific Pale Ale.
You can also try out our range of beers at the Official Brewpoint Hut, located adjacent to the tunnel and opposite the pitch. Inside the clubhouse, you can buy the Supernova Helles Lager, which is popular on matchdays.
It is also worth trying out the range of hot and cold food available, including burgers and sausage rolls. We will have a BBQ opposite the two containers serving burgers and hotdogs before, during and after the match.
Merchandise Store
Once you get through the turnstiles at the Ledger Stadium, you’ll see the clubhouse on the right. Inside the clubhouse, you’ll find the club shop where you can buy replica shirts, Real Bedford branded jumpers, t-shirts, accessories and much more.
You can also pre-order the 2025/26 home and away shirts on the club’s online shop here.
Accessibility Information
There are two bays of disabled parking outside the Ledger Stadium. Inside the ground, there is also a designated area for disabled supporters at the front of the main stand.
If you have any questions, contact us via email: hello@realbedford.com
Live Stream For All Supporters
You can watch the game via our in-house streaming platform, Pirate TV.
Please note: due to the UK’s geo-block restrictions, livestreaming will only be available to fans outside the UK at 3pm on Saturdays.
Click the following link here to watch the game live on Saturday 23rd August.
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 from the game.
Follow @realbedford on X and Instagram.
