Cardiff City's success is already having an affect on local football - and it's not good. Welsh League club Pontlottyn have withdrawn on the eve of a new season, losing some players who would rather watch than play.

And with City's sights set on a place in the Premiership, this may be the tip of the iceberg.

The desire of players to watch First Division new boys Cardiff instead of playing is not the sole reason for their slump.

Barry Horsman, Pontlottyn's long-serving secretary, said: "We had three or four players who would not play if Cardiff City were at home or close enough for them to travel to away matches.

"But we also lost players to other clubs and, at one point, we had three players in regular training. The close season started badly. We had a meeting last Thursday and decided enough was enough.

"It is sad because the club is in a healthy financial state with good facilities but we just can't get the players. But I fear this could happen to a number of other teams."

Last season, Pontlottyn finished eighth in Division Three, gaining 50 points.

Treowen, who have signed a number of players from Pontlottyn including the return of assistant player-manager Mark Lewis, have two friendlies this week before the big kick-off at Cwmamman on Saturday. Treowen are at home to Blaenavon tonight and on Thursday entertain Llanhilleth.

l Meanwhile Cardiff City play their first home game of the season when they take on Leyton Orient in the first round of the Carling Cup.

Manager Lennie Lawrence is expected to use a mix of reserve and first team players in a game he insists he is desperate to win.

He said: "Just because we're not playing out first team it doesn't mean that we don't want to win. We'll be taking it seriously."