Bedford Town FC v Darlington
Saturday 29th November 2025, 3pm
Enterprise Conference North
| Bedford Town FC: The Eyrie Stadium, Meadow Lane, Cardington nr Bedford, Bedfordshire MK44 3LW Tel: 01234 83155; X:@BedfordTown History: The original Bedford Town club was formed in 1908 although there had been football played locally since the 1880s. After World War One, it competed in the Northamptonshire and United Counties leagues but enjoyed its heyday after joining the Southern League in 1945. There were some enjoyable FA Cup runs in the 1950s, including facing Arsenal in the 3rd round in 1955-56., which the Gunners won in a replay 2-1. In 1963-64, the Eagles beat then Division Two Newcastle United at St James' Park, and then the following season faced Everton at home before a record crowd in the 4th round. By 1982, the club lost the lease to its ground and was forced to disband. After seven years in the wilderness, Bedford was resurrected and the early 1990s saw some progress on the field too. Meanwhile, the council assisted in finding the club a new home on the outskirts of the town in 1993. By 2006-07, the Eagles had been promoted to the Conference South, although this proved a stretch too far. After a few seasons of ups and downs and earning promotion to Premier Division Central last season via the play-offs, Bedford surged to the title in April 2025. Promotion was earned with a 2-0 win over Stourbridge in front of a crowd of nearly 2,200. There has been talks about a merger with neighbours Real Bedford, but that did not progress in time for the 2025-26 season in Conference North.
Capacity: 3,000 (300 seats) Click here for streetmap of the Bedford ground
Admission prices (2025/26) Turnstile prices are £18 adults, £14 concessions and under 21, £8 for ages 10 to 17 and £2 under 10s. Savings can be made if buying beforehand online, with adults £16, concessions/U21 at £12, £6 for ages 10 to 17 and free entry for under 10s. .
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From Darlington, 196 miles, 3hrs 30 mins. From the North: Take the A1, and after 188 miles, at the Black Cat roundabout, south of Chawston, take the second exit onto the A421. Then after about seven miles it's the A603/Cambridge Road to reach the stadium. Parking: The stadium is found on Meadow Lane, off the Cambridge Road (A603) near the village of Cardington, which is a few minutes drive from Bedford town centre. Parking at the stadium is limited to around 120 cars but there is an overflow car park (130 spaces) at nearby Dunbia.
Darlington
FC Supporters' Club
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It's a bit of a trek by train, and Bedford station is 3.5 miles from the ground. Taxis are about 15 minutes away. Bus: The 72 and 73 buses (operated by Grant Palmer) pick up and drop off near the ground in Meadow Lane. The bus station can be found at Allhallows, Bedford, MK40 1LT.
The official site is OK for basic information. |
 Near the ground: Kingfisher Riverside Pub on Cardington Road, Bedford, MK44 3SA, is right on the River Ouse and does food but it's still a stretch from the stadium. King's Arms, 31 The Green, Cardington, MK44 3SPA M&B pub in the nearby village, that does food. Town centre: Bedford town centre is about 10-15 minutes drive away.
High Street Tap, 115 High Street, Bedford, MK40 1NU
Beerfly, 45 St. Cuthberts Street
Bedford,
MK40 3JG
Devonshire Arms, 32 Dudley Street, Bedford, MK40 3TB |
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