Local Bedford football rivals Real Bedford and Bedford Town are set to collide in the Bedfordshire County Cup final on July 24 at The Eyrie ground. The clash comes after failed merger talks between the clubs last January. Real, backed by Bitcoin podcaster Peter McCormack and $4.5m from Winkelvoss Capital, missed promotion after losing 4-2 to Spalding United in the play-off final.

Bedford Town, now under new management with 28-year-old Harry Smart replacing Lee Bircham, won promotion to National League North despite Bircham previously suggesting the club couldn't compete at that level. The final has been dubbed the 'Battle Of Bedfordshire' by Real, with their manager Rob Sinclair expressing excitement about the local derby.

The contrasting fortunes of the two clubs highlight their different paths. Real aims for EFL status with new stadium plans, while Town focuses on steady progression. Sinclair downplayed direct comparisons with Wrexham, noting Real started at a much lower level. The cup final provides a rare opportunity to measure these local rivals against each other on the pitch before the new season begins.