Four victories, 12 goals and a derby final to remember. Real Bedford’s 2025/26 Bedfordshire County Cup campaign delivered a historical finish as the Pirates lifted the trophy at The Eyrie.

Three of the four victories came after falling behind, with contributions across the squad helping turn a demanding cup run into silverware.

As the Pirates begin their defence of the trophy, we look back at each step of the journey.

FIRST ROUND: Second Half Subs Make the Difference

AFC Dunstable 3-4 Real Bedford 
Tuesday 7th October 2025

The opening draw sent Bedford back to AFC Dunstable, the side who had ended their previous campaign in the semi-finals before winning the competition.

For much of the first half, however, another difficult evening appeared to be unfolding. The hosts scored twice inside 28 minutes, leaving the Pirates with a substantial task at the break. Dunstable’s Mwita Mgoyo was shown red for a foul on Tom Hitchcock which gave Real Bedford an opening, but they still needed to make the extra player count.

Sinclair introduced Ben Stevens and Archie Jones at half-time, and Stevens transformed the contest. His first-time finish in the 63rd minute reduced the deficit before another expertly placed effort brought the Pirates level just two minutes later.

Josh Allen then converted Hitchcock’s pass to complete the turnaround, only for Kyle Brooks to equalise for Dunstable in the 94th minute.

There was still time for one final twist. Bedford attacked again, Ben Weyman crossed from the left and Allen finished to snatch a dramatic 4-3 victory. Two goals each from Stevens and Allen had rescued the campaign before it had properly begun. Read the match report

QUARTER-FINAL: Pirates continue to progress

Biggleswade United 1-3 Real Bedford 
Tuesday 9th December 2025

The next round brought another away test, this time at Biggleswade United’s Verdant Stadium, and another early setback.

United started strongly and took the lead through Ezenwaka in the 14th minute. Craig King made several important saves to keep Real Bedford within reach before Joey Evans capitalised on a defensive mix-up to equalise.

King was called upon again before the interval, ensuring the Pirates reached half-time level despite the hosts’ opportunities.

A change of match officials delayed the second half by 20 minutes, but Bedford eventually found the breakthrough. Josh Setchell supplied the cross and Tom Hitchcock applied the finish to make it 2-1.

With Stevens introduced at the break, the Pirates began to threaten more consistently, although United continued to search for an equaliser. Real Bedford had to defend their advantage before settling the tie in stoppage time.

Evans turned provider in the 95th minute, playing the ball across goal for Hitchcock to score his second. A hard-earned victory sent the Pirates into the last four. Read the match report.

SEMI-FINAL: Stevens and Hitchcock book a derby final

Real Bedford 2-1 Leighton Town 
Tuesday 10th March 2026

After two away victories, the Pirates returned to The Ledger Stadium with a place in the final against Bedford Town at stake.

Real Bedford controlled much of the opening half, with Stevens and Conor Tee testing the visiting goalkeeper. Stevens eventually broke through with a finish from the edge of the penalty area, giving the Pirates a deserved half-time lead.

An injury to Rio Deall brought Archie Jones into the action after the restart, and the Pirates continued to create chances. Their second goal came from a flowing move: Isaac Galliford released Stevens, who supplied Hitchcock to finish.

Leighton responded and struck the post in the 73rd minute. Jack Morrell then came close to adding a third for Real Bedford, his volley crashing against the crossbar.

The visitors pulled a goal back in the 81st minute to set up a tense finish, but the Pirates protected their lead and secured a 2-1 win.

The semi-final hurdle had been cleared. Next came a meeting with the neighbours, with the trophy on the line. Read the match report

FINAL: Bragging rights secured

Bedford Town 2-3 Real Bedford 
Friday 24th July 2026

The 2025/26 competition reached its conclusion in July, with 2,383 spectators at The Eyrie for Real Bedford and Bedford Town's first competitive meeting. 

Bedford Town struck first through George Moncur in the tenth minute, but the Pirates answered five minutes later. Making his competitive debut, CJ Kiala worked his way inside from the right and curled a fine left-footed finish into the corner.

The equaliser gave Real Bedford momentum, yet the Eagles regained the lead shortly before half-time through Reece Evans.

Trailing 2-1 at the interval, the Pirates again needed to respond. The second half brought several anxious moments, with the Eagles hitting the woodwork twice and Jordan Ponticelli seeing a finish ruled out for offside.

On the hour, Ponticelli made his next opportunity count. Conor Tee found space on the left and delivered for the forward to finish from close range, bringing Real Bedford level for the second time.

Ten minutes later came the decisive goal. Josh Allen drove into the penalty area and cut the ball back for substitute Hitchcock, who fired into the roof of the net. For the first time all evening, the Pirates led.

Real Bedford continued to create chances as the Eagles sought a response, and the hosts were unable to force another equaliser. When the final whistle arrived, the Pirates had secured both the cup and a landmark derby victory. Read the match report

Time to go again...

Across the four rounds, Real Bedford scored 12 goals, with six different players finding the net. Hitchcock led the way with four, scoring in the quarter-final, semi-final and final. Stevens contributed three, Allen two, while Evans, Kiala and Ponticelli each scored once.

The Pirates now look to retain their cup as they prepare for Biggleswade FC on Tuesday 8th September 2026. Get your tickets for the match here