This Saturday sees one of the biggest cup games at the Eyrie this century, as the Eagles host Cray Wanderers in the 4th qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Historically, Bedford should be used to a tie at this stage, but since reformation, have only reached this stage once before; 25 years, or to put it another way, a quarter of a century ago.
The older fans can remember Bedford getting through to the proper rounds in the 1950’s through to the 80’s, although the latter two decades only saw us in the 1st round proper twice (1975 & 1981).
Our opponents proudly display the title of the oldest football club in London, and have been stalwarts of the Isthmian League for 20 years, playing the last eight seasons in the Premier Division.
Previously, Cray played in the Kent League, winning it the last two seasons before joining the Isthmian.
The late 60’s saw the side play in the Metropolitan League. Incidentally, Bedford reserves also had a stint in the same league, and last played Cray in 1968.
This season has seen Cray beat fellow Isthmian side, 2nd place Lewes, and Enterprise National League South leaders, Maidstone United, before dispatching our old adversaries, Chippenham Town, in the last round.
This season, Cray lie in 14th position, but their lower position has been because of success in the Cup and Trophy.
Both Bedford and Cray lost their respective league games the previous Saturday.
The incentive for both sides this Saturday is, obviously, extremely high.
Bedford are looking for a 1st round tie for the first time in 25 years, whilst Cray will be looking to reach the proper stage of the Cup for the first time.
Important ticket update for our game against Cray Wanderers FC.
Bedford Town Football Club can confirm ticket arrangements for our Emirates FA Cup fourth round qualifying tie against Cray Wanderers, with the game being played on Saturday 17th October, kicking off at 3pm.
Harry and the team have done a superb job in reaching the final stage of qualifying, for the first time in a quarter of a century. We are now looking forward to an entertaining game, with both teams having a huge chance to reach the first round proper and a potential mouthwatering tie against an EFL side.
Tickets for the Cray Wanderers fixture will go on general sale to both sets of supporters at 9pm on Wednesday 7th October. Prices for advance tickets are our standard admission. As this is an Emirates FA Cup tie, under tens must pay an entry fee and this is set as a pound.
.
Advance ticket prices:
Adults - £16
Concessions and 18-20 year olds - £12
10-17 year olds - £6
Under 10s - £1.
Advanced tickets are on sale until 1pm on Saturday 17th October. After which, prices will increase at the turnstile. These prices are different from our normal match day admission turnstile prices.
Turnstile prices:
Adults - £20
Concessions and 18-20 year olds - £15
10-17 year olds - £9
Under 10s - £1.
The club would like to advise supporters to purchase tickets in advance for two reasons.
Firstly, given the nature of the fixture, the club need to monitor attendance numbers in the run up to the game to ensure smooth running of operations at the Eyrie.
Secondly, should the club be fortunate enough to progress to the first round proper of the competition, priority will be given to supporters who have a digital record of attending fixtures throughout the qualifying stages of the competition. It is therefore vital that supporters create themselves a booking history - this includes assigning tickets to individual family members at the point of order.
Other ticket qualification criteria may apply, should the need arise. It is therefore strongly advised that supporters purchase tickets for the Cray Wanderers game in their own name.