After a successful 2025/26 campaign, Ropley Casuals Vets were back in action on Sunday with a pre-season trip to face an Alton Town side at Anstey Park.

The hosts featured a familiar face for the travelling Ropley faithful in the shape of David Dempster, last season's 32-goal top scorer. Throughout the summer there had been plenty of speculation about Dempster's future, with rumours circulating over whether he would remain at Ropley or make the switch to Alton following a solemn pledge to the Division Four outfit.

As expected, Dempster lined up on the left-hand side of Alton's starting XI. For Ropley, several familiar faces returned for the new season, including Craig "Davo" Davis, who captained the side. Daryll Phillips, Robbie Howell and Matt Staley were all included in the matchday squad for the friendly encounter.

From the first whistle it was evident that Ropley were still shaking off the summer rust, while an Alton side with a couple of pre-season games already under their belt started with greater intensity and hunger.

Inside five minutes, Ropley survived an unbelievable goalmouth scramble which saw the ball cleared off the line three times before eventually being smashed into the face of David Dempster. It was an early warning sign, with the visitors already hanging on.

It wasn't long before Alton's bright start was rewarded. Ropley's high defensive line was exposed and a composed finish gave the home side a deserved 1-0 lead. Although Ropley slowly began to settle into the contest, too many loose passes and hopeful long balls meant possession was being surrendered far too easily.

1-0. Alton

Midway through the first half, another attack down the Alton right produced a shot that Matt Tongue was unfortunate to see slip through his legs. Dempster was quickest to react, tapping home from a yard out to double Alton's advantage.

2-0. Alton

Half Time
Alton Town 2-0 Ropley Casuals

Both teams made changes after the break, with Robert Scull introduced on the right flank and new signing Matt Staley entering the midfield for Ropley. Staley made an immediate impression, showing quality both on and off the ball and strengthening his case for a starting berth in the centre of the park this season.

Just after the hour mark, a bursting run forward from full-back Callum Eaton resulted in a dangerous ball into the box that landed perfectly for Daryll Phillips, who marked his pre-season debut with a goal to give Ropley a route back into the game.

2-1. Game on.

The goal sparked the visitors into life. Ropley began moving the ball with far more purpose, playing through the Alton press and creating several promising opportunities.

Around ten minutes later, captain Craig Davis produced a moment of magic. Spotting the stand-in Alton goalkeeper off his line, he unleashed an audacious effort from all of 35-40 yards, looping the ball over the stranded keeper and into the net to level the scores at 2-2.

2-2. All level

With the momentum firmly on their side, Ropley continued to press and eventually found a winner. A Declan Rice-esque corner from Dean Smith caused chaos under Alton's crossbar, and when the ball dropped kindly in the ensuing scramble, Jonny "Pogo" Patterson reacted quickest to fire home from close range.

3-2 Ropley.

As with any pre-season fixture, there were both positives and negatives to take away. Ropley looked rusty in the first half but showed excellent character to battle back from two goals down and claim victory.

A big thank you to everyone at Alton Town for providing a competitive and enjoyable fixture, and best of luck for the season ahead.

Ropley are back in action next Sunday with a trip to face Rushmoor Community FC Vets.