Real Bedford are through to the second qualifying round of the FA Cup after a comfortable 4-1 win over Southern League Central Division One side, Royston Town on Saturday (5 September).
Conor Tee and Archie Jones put Real two goals to the good at the break, before Jordan Ponticelli and CJ Kiala added the extras in an expected win for Rob Sinclair’s men.
Real’s form in recent editions of the FA Cup has been poor; falling at the first hurdle in each of the past two seasons.
In September 2025, they lost in a replay to Bishop’s Stortford at this first qualifying round stage, while the season before, they were shocked at home in the extra preliminary round by St Neots Town.
Read: St Neots shock the Pirates as Real Bedford dumped out of the FA Cup
There were no such stumbles this time, as Real Bedford coasted past their step four opponents to make Monday lunchtime’s second round qualifying draw.
Real were 2-0 up by half time, and ahead after just 14 minutes.
Conor Tee was fouled within shooting range, and the winger proceeded to enhance his reputation from dead balls as curled the resulting free kick into the top corner.
Resolute Royston defending prevented Jordan Ponticelli adding a second ten minutes later, while the visitor’s first half chances fell to Nathan Godziemski who fired two efforts over the bar.
The second goal of the game came four minutes before half-time, as Archie Jones put away the rebound after Ben Stevens’ shot was blocked.
The relative one way traffic resumed into the second half, with Jordan Ponticelli’s header on the hour mark making it 3-0 and putting the tie to bed.
Royston centre back, Archie Locke got a goal back on 70 minutes, but they rarely threatened a comeback, and CJ Kiala made it four by rounding the goalkeeper and smashing home with six minutes left on the clock.
Real Bedford join next door neighbours, Bedford Town in the hat for Monday’s second qualifying round draw which will be published at 1pm.
They return to action on Tuesday night (8 September), as they begin the defence of the Bedfordshire Senior Cup against Biggleswade FC, before hosting Redditch United at the Ledger Stadium next Saturday.
