Hereford United are now our last hope of local honour in the FA Umbro Trophy.

Evesham United's 4-1 defeat at Morecambe in a midweek fourth round replay leaves the Bulls flying the lone flag on the road to Villa Park.

But Graham Turner's men are going to have to do it the hard way - a tricky fourth round replay at Nationwide Conference rivals Leigh RMI on Monday week will be followed by a trip to Morecambe for the winners in round five on February 24.

However, United need a Trophy run more than ever this year with their finances once again in a parlous state.

United are well overdue a decent run - this is the first time they've even got past the last 64 since rejoining the competition in 1997 - and their finances would be boosted no end if they can get to the later

stages. While title challengers Yeovil Town and Rushden and Diamonds are still in the competition, both will be treating the Trophy as a distraction from the task in hand.

But it's all the Bulls have left to play for, and that is bound to work in their favour if they can get past the next two ties.

It would also mean they have got past three decent Conference sides to reach that stage, which would ensure they wouldn't fear anybody in the later stages.

But the people of Hereford must go out and support them. A gate of just over 1,400 in the first game against Leigh was a disgrace. All right, Leigh aren't glamorous opponents but the club's position has been well documented and surely a few more stay-at-homers could have been persuaded to swap a seat in the stand for a place on the Edgar Street terraces.