Bedford one game from history as Cray Wanderers come to town

Sunday 11 October 2026 · By Patrick Wolstenholme

Bedford Town are 90 minutes away from the FA Cup first round proper for the first time in a quarter of a century. The Eagles host Cray Wanderers in the fourth qualifying round on Saturday 17 October, kick-off 3pm, after a cup run that has already given supporters plenty to cheer.

It is the first time Bedford have reached this stage since 2001. According to the Bedford Independent, they went on to face Peterborough United in the first round that year, losing in a replay. Harry Smart’s side now have the chance to recreate those days.

They have earned it. In the second qualifying round on 19 September, Bedford beat fellow Enterprise National League North side King’s Lynn Town 2–1, with goals from Kudiabor and George Moncur. In the third qualifying round on 3 October they were held by Wingate & Finchley, despite two Moncur penalties, the second of them on 83 minutes, and Wingate finishing with ten men.

The replay on 6 October was more comfortable. Kudiabor scored on six minutes and again ten minutes after half-time, and Moncur added a goal just before the break as Bedford won 3–1. Smart made only one change, bringing Kudiabor in for Reading loanee Reece Evans, and goalkeeper Laurie Walker made several key saves to keep Wingate at bay.

Moncur has been in prolific form throughout the cup run, and his ability from the penalty spot could be crucial in a tight tie.

League form has been more mixed. The Eagles lost 1–0 at Chester on Saturday, with Kofi Moore scoring from 25 yards in the 89th minute. It was a cruel way to lose a game that looked destined to end goalless.

Bedford are 11th in the table with 16 points from 11 games. They have won five, drawn one and lost five, and their last five league results read won, won, lost, drawn, lost. The draw in that run came against Hereford, who equalised in the 95th minute, so the Eagles have been competitive even in games where they have not won.

Because of the cup tie, Bedford’s scheduled league game at home to Chorley on 17 October has been postponed, with Chorley also still in the competition. When the league resumes, Bedford travel to Scarborough Athletic on Saturday 24 October.

The focus for now, though, is entirely on Saturday. A win over Cray Wanderers would put Bedford into the first round proper, and with it the chance of a draw against a Football League club. After 25 years of waiting, the Eagles will not want to let this opportunity pass them by.

Cray Wanderers have already published ticket details for the visit on their club website, and the Eagles will be hoping that home support can carry them through.

Smart will hope his squad can put the late defeat at Chester behind them. With home advantage and a striker in form, Bedford have every reason to believe that history is there for the taking.