After three consecutive league titles, the journey continues for Real Bedford. The Pirates will begin their season in the third tier of the non-league pyramid with a home match against Spalding United.

This will be the fourth year in a row that the Pirates play at home on opening day. Take a look at how Rob Sinclair’s side have fared in the first game during the last three seasons.

2022/23 – Saturday 6th August 2022 - Real Bedford 3-0 Rushden & Higham United

Real Bedford’s first league match in the 10th tier of the English pyramid was against Rushden & Higham United. Rob Sinclair’s side made the perfect start, going 2-0 up after four minutes through Kevin Owusu and Dan Walker.

The Pirates dominated the game and capped off the perfect start with a Walker brace in the 75th minute. Real Bedford went on to win the league title, securing 99 points from 38 matches.

2023/24 – Tuesday 1st August 2023 – Real Bedford 1-0 MK Irish

The first game of the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division saw the Pirates face MK Irish. It was a closely contested match with Joey Evans eventually scoring the winner in the 78th minute.

The two teams fought it out for the league title, with MK Irish pushing Sinclair’s side right up until the end of the season. Real Bedford finished on 91 points, six ahead of their closest competitors.

2024/25 – Saturday 10th August 2024 - Real Bedford 2-0 Hertford Town

Real Bedford continued their 100% opening day record with a 2-0 win against Hertford Town on Saturday 10th August 2024. On a sunny afternoon at the Ledger Stadium, the Pirates controlled the match, going ahead after only five minutes through Ben Stevens.

Stevens completed his brace in the 54th minute, and Pirates held on to secure three points and a clean sheet.

Opening Day Stats Breakdown

· Games Played: 3

· Games Won: 3

· Goals Scored: 6

· Goals Conceded: 0

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. 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 (U19’s): Free
Groundhopper Special: £15*

Ticket prices on the day can be found below:

General Admission: £12
Concession: £8
Child (U19’s): £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.

Win a signed Real bedford home shirt

Grab an advanced ticket for our opening league match against Spalding United and you’ll be entered into a draw to win a signed Real Bedford home shirt.