Both Bedford Town and Real Bedford learned of their opponents in the FA Cup second qualifying round draw that took place on Monday lunchtime (7 September).
Bedford Town enter this round along with their fellow step two clubs from National League North and National League South, while Real Bedford beat Southern League Central Division One’s, Royston Town on Saturday (5 September) to reach this stage.
Bedford Town will face fellow National League North side, King’s Lynn Town in the second qualifying round in a tie to be played at The Eyrie.
Real Bedford face a trip to Norfolk to face Thurlow Nunn League club, Harleston Town.
Harleston, who are currently 15th in the step five division after just one win in five league games, beat Romford Town 3-1 in the first qualifying round.
The second qualifying round ties will all be played on Saturday, 19 September.
Read: Real Bedford coast into the next round of the FA Cup
Bedford Town will be hoping to progress further than last season, in which they lost in a replay at Dagenham and Redbridge in the second qualifying round, while Real have already progressed further than the last two editions.
Real lost to Bishop’s Stortford in a first qualifying round replay in September 2025, and were shocked by St Neots Town in the previous season.
Both have started this season admirably.
Three straight wins see Bedford Town as high as seventh in National League North, aided by Junior Gyamfi’s only goal on Saturday, as the Eagles won 1-0 against Radcliffe at The Eyrie.
Read: Gyamfi goal gives Bedford Town third win in a week against struggling Radcliffe
King’s Lynn Town, who were fighting towards the bottom of the league with Bedford Town last season, have also started well and sit 11th.
Real Bedford have been top of Southern League Premier Central since the very first weekend, and remain there following six straight wins out of six, scoring 20 goals in the process.
They will be heavy favourites in the FA Cup second qualifying round against a club two steps below them in the non-league pyramid.
Both sides are back in action tomorrow night (Tuesday, 8 September) with Bedford Town making the trip to Worksop Town in National League North, while Real Bedford begin their county cup defence at home to Biggleswade FC.
