For the first time since the takeover of the old Bedford FC in April 2022, next door neighbours Bedford Town and Real Bedford will take each other on in a competitive game with silverware on the line.
The final of the Bedfordshire Senior Cup, delayed from the end of the last campaign, sees the Eagles and the Pirates clash at The Eyrie with the most local of bragging rights at stake, plus an early season trophy.
The final has been delayed due to the busy schedules of both clubs throughout March and April, with Bedford Town fighting to stay in the National League setup, while Real Bedford were preparing for a Southern League play-off campaign.
Those battles ended in contrasting fortunes, with the Eagles staving off relegation to remain at step two of the non-league structure, while Real’s hopes of a fourth straight promotion were dashed by Spalding United, who join Bedford Town in National League North.
Now, with new names on the pitch and in the dugouts, both clubs face a pre-season step up in intensity as the local FA’s showpiece game comes to town.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2025/26 Bedfordshire FA Senior Cup final.
When and where?
The Bedfordshire Senior Cup final will take place on Friday, 24 July at The Eyrie, home of Bedford Town, kicking off at 19:45.
The final is an all-ticket affair led by Bedfordshire FA, meaning tickets must be bought in advance and are not available on the gate. Tickets can be bought via Bedford Town’s website here.
There will be enhanced security checks on site for fans arriving, but the game will not be segregated.
The Eyrie is situated just off the A421 bypass on Meadow Lane before you drive into Willington, with limited parking available outside The Eyrie.
Alternatively, fans can get a Grant Palmer bus that stops just outside the ground, via the 72 or 73 services but fans will need to arrange alternative travel upon leaving the ground as there are no bus services outside The Eyrie after full-time.
The route to the final
Both sides have navigated three rounds to reach the final, with the competition beginning with 15 clubs way back in September 2025.
Kempston Rovers were the lucky side to gain a bye in the first round, but were subsequently knocked out in round two after losing to Biggleswade Town 8-1.
Bedford Town reached the final thanks to a 2-1 opening round victory against Barton Rovers, before winning by the same score line against Biggleswade FC.
A 4-2 triumph against Biggleswade Town in the semi-final at The Eyrie in February meant they were the first team to confirm their spot in the final.
Read: Ebanks brace helps Bedford Town to potential county cup final with Real Bedford
In the other half of the draw, Real Bedford’s venture began by overcoming a two-goal deficit at now defunct, AFC Dunstable before going on to win 4-3.
AFC Dunstable merged with Dunstable Town in the off-season to create Dunstable FC.
For Real, a 3-1 win at Biggleswade United saw them through to a semi-final at Leighton Town in which Tom Hitchcock’s winner on the hour mark meant they won that game 2-1.
Read: Real Bedford set up cup final against rivals Bedford Town after Leighton triumph
It’s been a four month wait for the final, with local football fans hoping the wait is going to be worth it.
What’s changed?
In short, a lot.
Such is the nature of non-league football, the transfer merry go-round has taken hold throughout the summer, with changes in both playing squads and in the dugouts.
While Real manager, Rob Sinclair heads into a fifth full season in charge of the Pirates, it’s been all change in the Bedford Town dugout, as last season’s manager, Lee Bircham has moved to National League South club, Hemel Hempstead Town.
Stepping up in his place is his assistant, Harry Smart who takes on his first head coach role, welcoming in Tony Fontenelle as his number two.
Read: Bedford Town announce appointment of experienced assistant manager
Sinclair also has new assistants after long-term number two, Mark Ducket moved on to be replaced by a pair of new faces in Chris Winton and Luke Ruddick.
On the playing side, both clubs have experienced wholesale changes with multiple comings and goings, although one notable name still present is Ben Weyman, except he has swapped Real for Town.
The midfielder spent last season helping Real Bedford to a Southern League play-off final, but has changed from amber to blue and will spend this campaign playing for the Eagles.
Headlining the other departures are Bedford Town’s star player Tyrone Marsh and fellow attacker, Ellis Brown who have both left for Oxford City while Real’s captain last season, Lee Watkins has left the Pirates to join Biggleswade Town at step four.
The season ahead
The discrepancies between last season’s squads and this season’s have caused some fans to claim the gloss has vanished from this final, but what it does do is provide a welcome step up in intensity for both club’s pre-season campaigns.
Bedford Town have yet to concede a goal in pre-season; an opening 0-0 draw against Aldershot Town on 7 July was followed up by a trio of 2-0 victories against Biggleswade FC, Berkhamsted and Walton and Hersham.
Real’s pre-season on the pitch has seen far more goalmouth action, opening up with a 4-4 draw against Harborough Town before losing 8-2 against step one opposition in Boreham Wood.
A 4-2 win against Berkhamsted earned them a first win of pre-season on Saturday (18 July).
Both sides have learned of their first opponents when the new league season begins, with Bedford Town travelling to Oxford City on the opening day of the National League North campaign, while Real Bedford host Leamington in Southern League Premier Central.
Both of those games kick off at 15:00 on Saturday, 8 August.
Before that though, there is a small matter of a cup final that will invariably lead to celebrations on one side of the Meadow Lane fence.
Which side will it be?
Bedford Town vs Real Bedford kicks off at 19:45 on Friday, 24 July. Tickets can be bought here.
