It could be argued that the minds of the Ropley players were firmly on the THREE upcoming cup finals but they knew there would be a game on their hands if Finchampstead showed signs of quality through a few key players who featured in the reverse fixture last month.
After some beautiful sunshine in the week, the pitch looked crisp, but was deceptively dry and bouncy which was always sure to cause an interesting game for both teams.

Ropley were slow out of the blocks as Finchampstead settled quicker and looked sharp in the early exchanges, though without creating anything clear‑cut. Gradually, Ropley grew into the game, found their rhythm, and took the lead, a goal that opened the floodgates as a few more followed before the break.

Finchampstead pulled one back from the penalty spot early in the second half to make it 4–1, hinting at a possible comeback. But any momentum was quickly shut down as Dempster and Chiller took control, arguing their way through the defence and racking up seven goals between them. Dempster claimed five of those, sealing a convincing win on a day where Ropley still felt they were short of their usual high standards.
A special mention goes out to Grant for grabbing his 2nd in 2 games from left back.

Ropley travel to Ash United's Shawfield Stadium next weekend for the first of three cup finals, where they will find Odiham Crocs Veterans waiting in the wings.
13:30 kick off.