PORTLAND United continue on their mission to reach the play-offs this weekend, but first have a point target in sight.

Kyle Critchell’s men last season finished with 47 points in the Wessex League Premier Division and currently lie four points off matching that tally with 11 matches to go.

They are also within four points of making the top five, although they face stiff competition in an incredibly tight lower top half with Baffins, Cowes, Laverstock and Sherborne also hopeful of usurping Brockenhurst.

So, in a rearranged match the Blues travel to US Portsmouth, presently in 19th on the bubble of relegation, with three points firmly in mind.

Critchell told Echosport: “It’s going to be a tough game. When they do lose, they don’t lose by a big margin.

READ MORE: Portland United 2-0 Laverstock & Ford - report

“The pitch is going to be heavy, so it’s probably going to have to be another rotation. We’ll see who we’ve got, roll them out on Saturday and see how we’re feeling.

“With regards to teams below us, we’ve got a very good record. If we can make it back-to-back wins it puts us closer to the points total we got last season.

“And it just gives us a feel-good factor. It’s taken off a little bit of pressure, that’s important.”

Asked how badly needed Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Laverstock & Ford was, Critchell replied: “I think it was massive.

“The game was close to being off and I thank Darren Whyton and all the people that came up and volunteered to get it ready. It was absolutely stunning, the pitch.

“We’ve only had one game called off this season. For young players, to have that confidence moving forwards after that run we’ve had, will be big. I’m proud of their efforts.”

Greg Borthwick begins a three-game ban but George Stuttle (two) and Shaun Bessant (one) are still suspended. Connor Bent (eye) is expected to be fit.

Critchell added: “We have to be sensible with our team selection because of the amount of games we’ve got. Well-being does come first.

“I’m not going to put people out there if they’re at risk of getting injured. Some of the lads will come in and train and some will have some time off.”