The draw for the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup has been made with Bedford Town drawn away to Royston Town, with the tie to be played on Saturday 31st August.
Thanks to their promotion to step three last season, the Eagles benefit from entering the world’s oldest knockout cup competition at a later stage and with the Borough’s other teams already out, the hopes of an FA cup run rest with Lee Bircham’s side.
Real Bedford suffered a shock 3-2 defeat in the Extra Preliminary Round against St Neots while Kempston Rovers lost to Brightlingsea Regent from Essex at the same stage.
St Neots have done excellently to reach the first qualifying round and have a great opportunity to reach the next stage as they face fellow step five side Barking at home.
Bedford Town and Royston Town will face each other for the second time this campaign, with the pair drawing 1-1 on 10th August in Southern League Premier Central.
Leon Lobjoit, who has began the season in great form, equalised from the penalty spot against ten-man Royston to gain Bedford Town’s first point in the league.
Bedford Town have began life in Southern League Premier Central well with one win, one draw and one loss in their first three league games including a spectacular 4-1 away victory against Halesowen Town on Saturday (17 August).
Winners in the first qualifying round will pick up £2,250 while losing clubs receive £750.
The Eagles face two games in three days this bank holiday weekend as Bedford Town travel to face Harborough Town on Saturday 24th August before a ‘home’ game against Bishops Stortford on Bank Holiday Monday.
With The Eyrie not yet ready following work to install a new 3G pitch and floodlights, plans on where the game at Bishops Stortford is to be played have not yet been released.
Tickets for all of Bedford Town’s home games can be purchased here.
