Welwyn Garden City have been left 'extremely sad, disappointed and angry' after Watford cancelled Saturday's friendly a day before it was due to be played.
The Southern League Division One East side were told by Watford on Friday afternoon that the club couldn't commit to the fixture at Herns Way because of a lack of players available.
Javi Gracia's Hornets host Sampdoria at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon in their final pre-season friendly a week before they kick-off their Premier League campaign at home to Brighton.
But a reserve team had been planned to play Welywn before Watford cancelled.
Welwyn say they have been left out of pocket having planned for the fixture since May.
In a statement, the club said: 'We are extremely sad, disappointed and angry that Watford FC have concluded themselves in such a poor manner and with such naivety as to what this means for Welwyn Garden City (WGC FC).
'Whilst this game was confirmed in May 2018, we were first advised by Watford FC at 9.30pm on Thursday 2nd August that there may be a problem, but they would advise and let us know.
'They have only now let us know at 2pm on Friday 3rd August that they can now not field any sort of side to participate in the friendly.'
Welywn add that they have made a loss after paying for 'food, drink, programmes and marketing' added to the 'obvious loss of what would have been takings on the gate, bar and food hut through not having a fixture'.
Sportsmail has contacted Watford but at the time of publication had received no response.
varogres
48
That's very selfish and unfair from Watford. They could have sent a few youngsters with a couple of first team players, that's a lame excuse. A couple of years in the big time and they think they're Barcelona. Maybe when they're relegated in May they'll come back down to earth.
mcdonalder
44
Not good from Watford tbh. No apology over social media or anything... clubs like Welwyn clearly rely on games like that to surive and thrive! Should compensate them really, how do you not know until the day before you can't get a side out?
Leedsa
44
Watford for sure will uphold the reputation of EPL and cover all out of pocket expenses their opponents suffered plus expected any income they would have expected from the fixture, otherwise Watford should be ashamed of themselves for doing a non league club over.