HEREFORD United have been give a further stay of execution after the Royal Court of Justice adjourned, on Monday, the winding-up order brought against them.

But the club's future remains uncertain with football chairman Andy Lonsdale admitting that the obtaining income remained problematic.

"We are finding it difficult to get sponsorship with a winding-up petition hanging over the club and people being unsure of the future of the club," said Lonsdale, who admitted that he had personally paid the settlement to former boss Martin Foyle and his assistant Andy Porter.

The winding-up petition which Foyle and Porter brought against United has now been taken over by HMRC, who are still owed in excess of £115,000.

The court heard on Monday that three further petitioners had added their names to the list, with their total debt amounting to almost a further £200,000.

More petitioners could also add their names before the hearing is reconvened on October 20.

And despite Lonsdale's claim the previous week that further directors would be appointed, only John Edwards and Elke Thuerlings, who are currently out of the country on business, remain on the board.

Peter Gambrill and Thomas Agombar junior, who were deemed 'unfit' by the FA to serve on the board, have now stepped down but the club's articles of association requires at least three directors to be in place.

Lonsdale is also waiting to hear if he has passed the FA's 'fit and proper persons' test.

On the field, Hereford are looking to build on Tuesday night's first away Southern League Premier Division win at Paulton Rovers when they begin their FA Cup campaign with a visit to Ellistown and Ibstock United.

United are entering the competition at the first qualifying round stage for the first time in more than 60 years and the tie has been switched to Ellistown's near neighbours Coalville.

"If we can get a run in the FA Cup that will bring a little bit of money into the club as well," admitted manager Jon Taylor.

"Everyone knows what the FA Cup means to Hereford with Ronnie Radford and the goal that he scored.

"Hopefully, it's onwards and upwards now - all the lads seem confident and upbeat.

"We had Ellistown and Ibstock watched last Saturday and so we know a little bit about them.

"Coalville's pitch is a slightly bigger one than they played on last Saturday.

"They just play a normal 4-4-2 and so if we keep the ball and don't give it away in silly areas then hopefully we should win."

Prize money of £3,000 is at stake for the first qualifying round tie with £4,500 and then £7,000 available to the winners of the second and third qualifying rounds respectively.