For the second year running, Ropley shattered the Hambledon faithful's dreams of cup glory with a performance that belied their lowly league position on probably the smallest pitch any of us had played on since we were kids.

The game had already been postponed twice but this time the Ropley were keen to play the game despite the recent deluge, presumably because for the first time this season they had their strongest team available.

On paper, our team wasn't too shoddy either, with a bench of Craig, Neil, Simpson, Littlewood and Hugh demonstrating our strength in depth. The game started evenly, with Hambledon having a lot of possession and territory but Ropley proving lightning quick on the counter attack, especially down the flanks.

Increasingly, however, Ropley turned the screw, and their first goal on 20 minutes had been coming. Tom got out-gassed by their speed machine who managed to smash home from a tight angle, giving Dave absolutely no chance. We worked our way back into the game, forcing a succession of corners, with Neil, on for the crocked Parker, dominating play in the centre. James shimmied his way past the opposition on a few occasions but we couldn't quite get the breakthrough. All the while however, it felt like Ropley had more goals in them but the half ended 1-0.

We started off better in the second half, with renewed vigour, but they scored the crucial second on the hour, with a flick on straight from a goalkick getting in behind the back four, and their right winger out pacing yours truly, again finishing really well past Dave.

The game became increasingly fractious, with the ref refusing to blow his whistle, much to the frustration of the Dons players. Despite having a lot of possession we didn't really look like we were going to get back into the game until, out of nowhere, James Simpson rose like the proverbial salmon to glance us back into the game with his first goal for the Dons- hopefully the first of many to come.

Craig was now on and causing the Ropley backline some problems when, out of nowhere, Pete was assaulted in our area, the ref 'didn't see' it and suddenly we are 3-1 down. Game over.

We battled hard but to no avail. Ropley had proved more tigerish in the tackle, swarming around us at every opportunity like a pack of wolves or a swarm of bees to complete the animal analogies. I doubt they will win the cup but they are a very good side on their day and I cannot believe they are talking about folding. The game ended with some unsavory scuffles, and whilst there is no place for this and we need so maintain our discipline at all times, the ref really caused a lot of our frustrations by not blowing his whistle enough earlier in the game. (That said, he blew up for three fouls against me so I have decided he is shortist. Or worse, poshist).

On we go, five league games and a friendly left. I am determined that we will finish as high up the table as possible. Points mean prizes. Our next game is Odiham away in a fortnight; they beat us 1-0 at our place but if you recall, it felt like the ultimate smash and grab. Beat them and we are right behind them and Milford in the league.

MOTM: Neil, only played 70 minutes but showed once again why he is the first name on the 1st teams teams heet.