PORTLAND United will not relent in their quest for 40 points – despite achieving safety with eight games to go.

The Blues host relegation-threatened Hythe & Dibden in Wessex League Premier Division action tomorrow (3pm).

Portland’s 0-0 draw at Amesbury, combined with a 2-1 loss for Town on Tuesday, has put the Dorset club safe beyond all doubt.

And boss Franklyn Clarke has now revealed the islanders’ long-standing points target, meaning 17th-placed Portland must claim 10 points in their final eight matches.

He told Echosport: “It’s just about understanding that we still have a lot to play for this season.

READ MORE: Portland United target improvements in 2022/23

“The players and everyone have the right mentality going into the last eight games.

“We want to reach our points target and we’ve got a great chance to do that, and start with three points at home.

“We looked at the table and there’s no reason why we can’t climb a couple of places from where we are now.

“There are a couple of teams in and around us where, if we do reach our target, it’s an opportunity to be higher.

“But it was all about staying the league and laying foundations. Now we’ve done that, it’s about approaching the last eight games properly and finishing the season strong as a team.”

He added: “We’ve got some tough games coming up. It’s just important we finish strong, keep the positivity about the place and move forward.”

Ryan McKechnie (groin) and Josh Williams (ankle) are out.