The much-anticipated fixtures for the new Southern League football season have been released, with Bedford Town and Real Bedford eagerly discovering their initial opponents. Both teams are gearing up to host an array of new rivals following their respective promotions. Excitement is high as local football fans look forward to seeing how their teams fare in their new divisions.

Promotions and New Divisions

Source: https://www.bedfordindependent.co.uk/southern-league-fixtures-released-as-eagles-and-real-set-for-new-season/

Bedford Town will compete in the Southern League Premier Division Central, which represents step three of the English non-league pyramid. Meanwhile, Real Bedford will make their debut in the Southern League setup in Southern League Central Division One, the division immediately below Bedford Town.

The two sides will not face each other this season, barring any cup matchups, thanks to Bedford Town's victory over Waltham Abbey in the Central Division One play-off final last season, securing their promotion.

Eagles Away First Up

Bedford Town's campaign kicks off with an away match against fellow newly-promoted Spalding United on Saturday, 10th August. This is followed closely by a home fixture against Royston Town on 13th August at The Eyrie, marking their first competitive game on their new 3G pitch, which is currently under construction.

Subsequent games include Halesowen Town at home on 17th August, an away trip to Harborough Town, and a home clash against Bishop’s Stortford, who were relegated from National League South last season. Bedford Town's final fixture of the season is set for 26th April 2025 at home against Stourbridge.

Real Bedford at Home

Real Bedford will begin their Southern League journey at home against Hertford Town on 10th August. They will then travel to Barton Rovers for a midweek match. North Leigh follows on 24th August at home, and Stotfold on 26th August away, during the Bank Holiday weekend.

Their first five fixtures conclude with a trip to Leverstock Green, who were promoted alongside Real Bedford from the Spartans South Midlands Premier Division. Real Bedford's season will wrap up with a match against Thame United, who narrowly avoided relegation last season.

Late Fixture Announcement

The fixture list release was delayed due to the Premier League and EFL releasing their schedules later than usual, causing delays down the football pyramid. Despite this, Kempston Rovers—relegated to the Spartans South Midlands Premier Division—will start their campaign early on 27th July away at Cockfosters.

Kempston Rovers' first home game will be against Aylesbury Vale Dynamos on 30th July, under the guidance of new manager Darren Clarke, who aims to lead them back to the Southern League.

For full fixture lists of Bedford Town and Real Bedford, visit the Southern League website here.

Strong Starts to Pre-Season

Both Bedford Town and Real Bedford have had impressive starts to their pre-season campaigns. Bedford Town triumphed over Harpenden Town 4-2, with goals from Ben Baker, Connor Tomlinson, and a brace from Ryan Blake. Real Bedford secured victories against Risborough Rangers and Arlesey Town, before drawing 2-2 with Kettering Town, one of Bedford Town's opponents this season at step three.

The competitive action begins on Saturday, 3rd August, with Real Bedford starting their FA Cup