LITTLE Chepstow Town have hit out at Nationwide League First Division new boys Cardiff City after preparing a big welcome for a pre-season friendly at Larkfield last night - and then having their guests fail to appear.

The Welsh League club were fuming that the city slickers from Ninian Park called the game off a couple of hours before it was due to start.

Former Football League club player Barrie Vassallo, who watched the Bluebirds as a youngster and can't wait for them to become a Premiership club, was furious.

Vassallo, once on Arsenal's books, stepped down as manager after keeping Chepstow in the Welsh League and is now their director of football. He was in charge because player-manager Mark Price was on holiday.

Vassallo said: "Everyone turned up - including Cardiff fans who didn't travel to Cheltenham.

"There are a lot of Cardiff fans in this area and from all over Gwent. The women at the club spent hours preparing food and it was heartbreaking to see their faces when they were told the game was off.

"The club had programmes printed, posters were put up around the town and a couple of lads turned down work shifts just to play against Cardiff.

"Cardiff telephoned us at 4.30pm to tell us the game was off. They were due to have two squads last night and they said they tried to contact us the previous day.

"For a League club to do something like this leaves a bad taste in the mouth. I am totally gobsmacked by their action. They have treated us like something they've just wiped off their shoes.

"I am more upset for other people who did so much to make sure everything was right for Cardiff's visit."

Despite attempts to speak with Cardiff officials, no-one was available for comment today.

Cardiff won 5-1 at Cheltenham last night.

Caerleon lost 2-1 at home to Spencer. Denis McCoy, Caerleon player-manager, said: "It was a good work-out and it gave us a chance to look at some players who have been training with us."

Gary Raynor gave Spencer a half-time lead and James Leighton equalised, Lee Evans scoring the winner.

Caerleon are at home to Hereford side Pegasus tonight (6.30pm).

Caldicot, at home to Cromwell tonight, figured in a goalless draw at Undy. Newport YMCA's game at Neath was called off because of torrential rain.