1999 Ford Escort fuel

I have a 1999 ford escort, recently I put a new clutch in it. The car ran beautifully after this. I took it out of town and when I got back into town, it died the first time I stopped. It started once for about 10 seconds then died. I checked for spark and have spark, I then checkedf the fuel pressure, it was about 40 psi. The repair manual says it should have between 50-85 psi not running. So I replaced the fuel filter then checked again, same thing around 40 psi, So I put a new fuel pump in. Now its around 50 psi but will not start still. I read somewhere that you should puge the system after a new pump, but I didnt do that. Should I purge it? If not then I am at a loss as to where to look next. Ant ideas would help. Thank you.