SUNDAY league matches once again took place without a qualified man in the middle.

Whitecross and Hereford City Harriers have now gone several weeks without seeing a referee and both league games went ahead on the weekend with a volunteer manning the whistle.

Herefordshire FA chief executive Jonny Walker admits the problem is worrying but says there is no "quick fix" to the issue.

"We are running a refereeing course at the moment and we have 18 people on it," he added.

"It's a free course for adults and we are also offering other incentives such as giving a bit more money to those who officiate a certain number of games through the season.

"But there are many reasons for the shortage and we can't rule out the abuse many referees have faced.

"We are trying to work with the clubs and tell them that they will be put to the 'bottom of the pile' if referees continue to have bad experiences while officiating their games."

Mr Walker said the situation on a Saturday is now improving but that has done little to address the frustrations of managers such as Martin Rivett.

He runs Hereford City Harriers and believes the lack of officials is putting the future of Sunday football in Herefordshire at risk.

"There are only six teams left so it is shocking that the HFA is struggling to find enough referees to cover the few games on each weekend," he said.

Despite the lack of sides, Walker believes Sunday football still has a place on the county calendar.

He hopes that a new 4G pitch at the HFA headquarters off Widemarsh Common will reduce costs for clubs should planning permission for the site be secured.

Walker said that a 'centralised venue' could be shared by teams who currently have to play – and pay – elsewhere.

In the weekend games, Hereford City Harriers moved up to second place after George Worswick, Nathan Scotford and player-manager Rivett scored to give their side a 3-2 win over Credenhill.

And Whitecross picked up their first points of the season when Simon Meyrick, Jamie Wooles and Corey Jones found the net in a 3-1 win over Dorstone.