2000 Ford Escort **new** starting problems & weird running

Hi,Everyone i am new here hope u can help.The problem is when going to start the car in the mornings the car turns over fine but wont start,so i put on jump booster the car then starts after putting foot on gas but is really lumpy,revs go up & down and lots of hesitation & if i take my foot off gas engine cuts out,but it will start up again still lumpy,then when i set off it hesitates and will sometimes cut out if i take my foot off gas.After about 4-6 miles it seems to be all okay & if i turn off engine & leave for about 1 hour it starts no problems no sign of faults,revs ok etc.Another thing i noticed the other day the trip meter had reset back to 0.0miles.Could it be a battery problem?The ECU thinking battery has been disconnected.Suggestions of what it could be or what should i do about it,money is scarce so hope not major cheers all spike.