Cray Wanderers FA Cup adventure and quest to reach the 1^st Round proper for the first time continues on Saturday as the Wands head to National North Bedford Town for the first competitive fixture between the sides. 

Please note if the tie should end in a draw then the final round where a replay is required would take place on Tuesday 20^th October with the winners in the 1^st Round to be played over the weekend of 6^th-9^th November.

Cray have reached the 4^th Qualifying Round for just the fourth time although the second time in three seasons. The previous occasions were in 2005-06 where Cray were beaten at then Conference League leaders Grays, the heavily truncated 2020-21 season losing at Canvey Island. The final time was in the 2024-25 season going down narrowly at home to Tonbridge Angels.  Bedford Town though will be equally keen to advance to the 1^st Round for what would be the first time since the 2001-02 season.

The Wands will come into the game in 15^th place in the Isthmian Premier league but will be joined in the 4^th Qualifying Round by three other Premier sides, Brentwood Town, Eastbourne Borough and Leatherhead.      

Last Saturday Cray were beaten 1-2 at home to Lewes in a fairly even game with Ade Yusuff continuing his fine form with his tenth goal in league and cup this season. So far the former Folkestone Invicta striker has scored in each round so far and in his last five games.

So far in the cup Cray advanced past Lewes in the 1^st Qualifying Round after a replay with Alex Hernandez scoring the winners in a 1-0 win at the Dripping Pan where Yusuff and Soul Kader scored in a 2-2 draw.  The Wands then drew National South League leaders Maidstone United at Flamingo Park and after a 1-1 draw where Rob Strachan scored to earn a second chance, Cray turned in a performance for the ages with a 2-0 win at the Gallageher Stadium with Ola Ogunwamide’s special striker proving a catalyst for a great performance sealed by Yusuff sliding in in stoppage time to see out a famous victory.

In the 3^rd Qualifying Round Cray entertained Chippenham Town and saw off the challenge of the Wiltshire club with another special goal from Ogunwamide, Yusuff and Lateef Adaja setting up an exciting and rare trip to face a National North side.

Harry Smart, Eagles team start their FA Cup run in the 2^nd Qualifying Round and advanced past Kings Lynn Town 2-1 at home with goals from Louie Kudabor and former Colchester United, Barnsley, Luton Town and Leyton Orient striker George Moncur.

In the 3^rd Qualifying Round Bedford Town were held at home by Isthmian Premier Wingate & Finchley, 2-2 where Moncur netted two penalties but were professional in the replay winning 3-1 at Summers Lane with Kudabor (2) and Moncur on target.

Bedford Town are playing in the National North for only the second season and finished 18^th in the 2025-26 season. They currently stand 11^th in the table with sixteen points and last Saturday were unfortunate not to take a point from the long trip to Chester going down 0-1 to an 89^th minute goal.

After losing three of their opening four league games they settled and then won four league matches in a row which although without a win in three leaves them in a midtable position.

So far at home Bedford Town have beaten Buxton (2-1), Spennymoor (3-1) and Radcliffe (1-0). They drew with Hereford (1-1) and lost at home to Darlington (2-3).  Away from home Bedford picked up three points at Telford United (1-0) and Worksop Town (2-1) but were beaten at Oxford City, Southport, Spalding United and Chester.  Moncur is the leading scorer with seven.  With the travelling the club have to take Bedford will be a very durable and fit side and will provide very stern opposition.

Although the teams have never met Cray did face the old Bedford Town reserves side in the Metropolitan League for five seasons from 1966-67 to 1971-72. The original Bedford Town were formed in 1908 but were dissolved in 1982.  The current club were reformed in 1989.      

So with the stakes high for both clubs looking to progress to the hallowed ground of the 1^st Round and the introduction of the League 1 and 2 clubs and the increased TV exposure this brings.

Whatever happens this promises to be a remarkable day out for the officials, management, players and most of all the Wands fans, young and old and perhaps a red letter day in Cray Wanderer long history.

Images courtesy of Natalie Stribbling