THE very existence of Hereford United will hang in the balance just 24 hours before they are due to host Hitchin Town.

Saturday’s Southern League Premier Division match is scheduled to kick-off at Edgar Street at 3pm but there is a chance the club could be out of business by then.

The Bulls return to the Royal Courts of Justice at 4.30pm tomorrow for the latest hearing of their long-running winding-up order, with the axe very much poised over them.

An adjournment on Monday gave them until Friday to prove they had the £1million of funding promised by chairman Andy Lonsdale.

During a previous hearing on December 1, United’s barrister told the court at that up that amount would be available within 15 working days.

If proof is provided, Hereford will live to fight another day and take on Hitchin looking for their first win in six matches.

Lonsdale has rejected a meeting tonight with Hereford United Supporters Trust (HUST) having previously agreed to speak to the group.

In a message to HUST vice-chairman Martin Watson, Lonsdale said: "I will not be attending your meeting or kangaroo court to discuss the finances of the club. 

"If you wish to discuss the future of football at Hereford United this can be discussed at the Starlite Rooms at a date to be arranged."

Meanwhile, Hitchin manager Mark Burke has spoken of his frustration at the timing of Friday's hearing in relation to the league fixture.

He said: “It’s an absolute joke. It could not be a worse time – 4.30pm. It’s a terrible situation.

“They are not taking us into consideration. It looks like it will be a final decision one way or the other. We just have to prepare as if we are playing.”