THE contrast between Kidderminster Harriers and Hereford United, the Two Counties’ leading football clubs, could not be more stark at the moment.

Two teams that play in nonleague’s top tier, and split by just 40 miles, yet with wildly differing fortunes.

Just last weekend, Harriers were giving Premier League Sunderland a run for their money in the FA Cup fourth round at the Stadium of Light, eventually losing 1-0.

At the same time, Hereford were scraping together the cash to pay the tax man and fend off a winding-up order.

Financially, the clubs are poles apart. Kidderminster have banked the best part of £250,000 from their cup run, when prize money and gate receipts are taken into account.

They have also pocketed the same amount from selling striker Joe Lolley to Championship side Huddersfield Town after playing barely 20 games for the Aggborough club.

Such funds have come at a crucial time as it should give new manager Andy Thorn the spending power he needs to push for promotion to the Football League.

Things are not so rosy across the border at Edgar Street.

Even though paying the £36,500 tax bill has seen the Bulls avoid going to court, they are far from being out of the woods.

That sum dates back to October and November and chairman David Keyte has admitted that they have since racked up of debt of £60,000 to HM Revenues and Customs.

United have also been losing around £30,000 a month and the threat of administration looms large.

While they are doing well on the pitch, with three wins from their last four matches, that pales into insignificance when compared with their balance sheet.

Unless that is sorted, there will be no team on the field to support.

But while comparing the two clubs, it should also be noted that it was not all that long ago that Harriers were in Hereford’s shoes.

Back in 2011, the club came within a whisker of being placed into administration after fans stumped up more than £20,000.

That should serve as a reminder that things can change quickly in football.