ANOTHER FA Cup run could be key to struggling Hereford United upping their game in the Skrill Premier.

The Bulls shone last season with three electric matches against rivals, beating Shrewsbury 3-1 before losing 2-1 to Cheltenham in a second-round replay.

Martin Foyle’s side’s success generated much-needed income for the cash-strapped Edgar Street club who are now 19th in the league and just three points off the relegation places.

Victory over League Two Burton Albion, who Hereford visit in the first round on Sunday (3pm), would lift the club and net £18,000 alongside gate receipts and a potential money-spinning tie.

The boost could enable Foyle to add to a threadbare squad, which has been hit by injuries during the campaign, and help aid their flagging league campaign.

Bulls chairman David Keyte said: “The FA Cup is always important to Hereford and it is the same this season.

“Any financial boost from the cup is enormously important. We don’t budget for cup runs so it’s a bonus.”

Hereford reached the first round by edging out hosts Hornchurch 1-0 but then crashed 4-1 at league surprise package Salisbury City live on television last week.

Burton are enjoying a good season under Bromsgrove-born former Birmingham City defender Gary Rowett and currently sit seventh.

Last Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Morecambe ended an impressive run of three straight wins over high-flying Chesterfield (2-0), Torquay (2-0) and Exeter (1-0).

But Albion’s home form remains a weakness with just the Torquay win and a 1-0 success over Rochdale at the Pirelli Stadium this season.