WOMEN'S MATCH PREVIEW: Real Bedford (A)

Derby County Women will continue their FA Women’s National League Cup charge in the First Round Proper when they face Real Bedford Women away from home on Sunday (2pm kick-off).

The Ewes will be looking to return to winning ways following a 1-1 draw on the road against Hull City Ladies in FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division action last weekend.

Sam Griffiths’ side are currently unbeaten in the FA WNL Cup following group stage victories over Notts County, Lincoln United and Sheffield FC, claiming nine points out of nine in the process.

With a place in the Second Round at stake, the Ewes have been pitted against a side currently occupying third place in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division.

Ticket Information

Tickets for Sunday’s game can be purchased via Real Bedford’s website, as well as at the gate at the Ledger Stadium.

Prices

General Admission - £8

Concessions - £6

Child (U18) - £2

Click here for tickets.

Stadium Address: Ledger Stadium, McMullen Park, Meadow Lane, Bedford, MK44 3LW.

The Opposition

Real Bedford head into this fixture after a four-game unbeaten streak in all competitions.

They enjoyed back-to-back promotions in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, earning them promotion over Norwich City in the FA Women's National League Division One South East, clinching the title with an 11-1 victory over London Seaward.

Derby and Bedford last met in a pre-season friendly match in August 2025, with the Ewes securing a 4-1 victory at the Don Amott Arena.

This season, the Pirates have scored 16 goals and conceded eight, ranking fourth for goals scored this season, and fifth for goals scored at home.

Bedford are led by Head Coach Charlie Bill, who also guided them to the County Cup with a 5-0 win over local rivals Luton Town last season.

FA WNL Cup Format

Teams were initially drawn into 22 groups of four teams, from which the 22group winners and 10 best runners-up have advanced to the Cup knock-out stages.

The other 12 runners-up and 20 best third-placed teams have advanced to the FA Women’s National League Plate knock-out stages.

Following the group stage, both the Cup and Plate competitions will hold four knock-out rounds before the Final, starting with the First Round, where 16 fixtures are set to take place on Sunday 19th October 2025.

Words: Reuben Clarke