Knights target Championship climb under Bedford’s Friday night lights

Doncaster Knights will look to build on their victory over Worcester Warriors when they visit fifth-placed Bedford Blues on Friday, November 13, 2026, with kick-off at 19:45.
The Knights, currently ninth, could climb to eighth with a win at Goldington Road. Seventh may also be possible, although that would require a bonus-point victory, enough points scored and an Ampthill defeat against Worcester Warriors. A loss would leave Doncaster ninth because Richmond, in 10th, are six league points behind.
Last Saturday’s win came against an ex-Prem and previously unbeaten Worcester side. Bedford, however, present a different challenge through their width, tempo and willingness to give their backs possession when the forwards create front-foot ball.
Winger Dean Adamson is Bedford’s leading try-scorer this season and the Championship’s record try-scorer. Scrum-half Alex Day, the Blues’ captain and tactical conductor, sets their tempo, while fly-half Will Maisey is their main points scorer and recently passed 1,000 points for the club. Maisey is currently the ninth-ranked kicker in the Championship.
Other threats include centre Lucas Titherington, a runner and creator with multiple tries and assists, and full-back Louis James, who offers an attacking threat from the back field. Prop Joey Conway provides physical carries and can finish set-piece moves, while back-row Fred Tuilagi brings powerful defensive hits and carrying.
Doncaster’s route into the contest is likely to begin with their physical, organised pack. Their scrum and maul provide a platform to control territory and wear down opponents, particularly during the second half. The Knights also have a strong back three to exploit that possession.
The contest up front could prove decisive. Bedford will aim to disrupt Doncaster’s lineout and speed up the breakdown, while the Knights will want to dominate collisions, maintain discipline and use their kicking game. Both teams have previously paid for high penalty counts, leaving the goal-kickers potentially influential in a close match.
The history between the clubs is similarly tight. They have met 44 times in the league, with the Knights winning 22 matches compared with Bedford’s 19. After seven games this season, Bedford have scored only five more points than Doncaster and conceded 18 fewer.