IT'S a shame that Hereford United's big day in front of the Sky TV cameras has been overshadowed by a row about cash.

United and their FA Umbro Trophy quarter-final opponents Burton Albion will get a miserly £2,500 each for today's Edgar Street clash being televised live by the satellite channel.

The Bulls, who of course need every penny they can get, feel it is derisory -- particularly when you bear in mind that they received £75,000 when their FA Cup clash with Hartlepool United last season was also televised by Sky.

Unfortunately it appears they're not going to get any change from the Football Association over the issue, and it seems a classic case of double standards. Such games have far more potential than many of the run-of-the-mill Nationwide League -- or even Premiership -- games that they broadcast.

On a positive note, however, it's good to see that television is at last recognising the popularity of non-league soccer.

Besides the Trophy clash, title challengers Yeovil's Conference clash with Hayes is also being shown live in two weeks' time, while there's every chance that the semi-finals of the Trophy will also feature a live contest.

The Villa Park final on May 13 is already earmarked for Sky coverage.

Such coverage can only benefit the non-league game as it increases awareness to a wider audience, too many of whom these days believe that football begins and ends with the Premiership.

Hopefully non-league games wil be featured on a more regular basis next season, and if the prospect of pay-per-view rears its ugly head, there's every chance that even more games will hit the airwaves.

Meanwhile, the Bulls' trip to Yeovil, postponed from today, has been rearranged for Tuesday, May 1.

Monday's game at Stevenage will be postponed if today's game is drawn.