HEREFORD United must find £78,000 within two weeks to avoid a winding-up order, a fans' open meeting heard tonight.

Cash-strapped United owe the sum to HMRC, the meeting was told.

If United fail to raise the money, they could be wound-up in court, fans were told.

Bob Pritchard said the directors would not put the club into administration before Thursday.

Worried supporters packed into United's Starlite Rooms tonight to discuss the club's perilous financial position.

One supporter said he felt the club's plight was beyond the pale and that liquidation was the only option facing the club.

Hereford United player Rob Purdie told fans that the players had met chairman David Keyte this morning and were eager to do well in Saturday’s home match against Grimsby.

Long-term supporter Keith Hall said United should set up an SOS fighting fund to highlight the club’s plight.

He also said United's home match against Alfreton on Monday, April 21 could be a Fans United Day and welcome supporters from other clubs from across the country.

"There are no Premier League fixtures on the afternoon of April 21 and United could challenge fans of other clubs to come to Edgar Street or donate a signed shirt," said Hall.

Hall also suggested organising fans’ fund-raising matches and contacting Premier League clubs and United’s old Football League friends to support the club’s fight for survival.

Asking Premier League clubs to hold bucket collections at their grounds in support of the Bulls, was also mooted.

Other fans are donating signed shirts to be auctioned to raise funds for the club.

Herefordshire Councillor and landlord of the Victory, Jim Kenyon, will donate two barrels of beer a week to the club.

Donations to help support the club can be made through the Supporters’ Trust website.

The meeting was a joint venture between the Hereford United Independent Supporters’ Association and the Hereford United Supporters Trust.

BBC Hereford and Worcester sports producer Trevor Owens chaired the debate.