Danny Bloor says Eastbourne Borough have something money cannot buy among their bigger-budget rivals.

But he will continue to set a first target of 44 points and safety from relegation.

Even with his side currently in the play-off places and beating sides above them.

Borough were 2-1 victors at Havant and Waterlooville on Boxing Day in Vanarama National League south.

They won at then leaders Ebbsfleet in their previous away game.

Borough boss Bloor said: “We have gone to two of the top sides.

“If somebody says you are going to get six points from those games, you will be highly delighted.

“What we have is something sides with much bigger budgets don’t.

“We have an amazing togetherness, an amazing spirit.

“That runs right through the management team to every member of our squad.”

Borough are currently on 39 points from 24 games and are closing on their first target for the season, which is ensuring safety.

Bloor said: “I think you need 44 points, which is two more wins.

“People take the mickey out of me for saying that.

“But I just think with the budget we have at Eastbourne, when you look at the full-time clubs in our league, that’s our first objective.

“Once we get to 44 points, then we can have some fun like we did last season.

“Who knows what might happen then?

“I’m not being a killjoy but get 44 points and then we can see where it takes us.”

Jake Hutchinson prodded in from close range to give Borough the lead.

Havant replied via Joe Oastler at a set-piece and were dangerous at such situations.

The winner came from Jayden Perez on 80 minutes as he cut inside and shot low between the keeper and near post.

Bloor said: “Late on we should have probably got a couple more.

“I think when you go to these sides you have got to be disciplined.

“You have got to have good shape about the team.

“The boys have to believe in what we are asking them to do as well, which they do.”

Bloor said Leone Gravata was outstanding and added: “Him and Shiloh Remy, our two wide players, are both pivotal to how we play.”

Alex Wynter is out long term and will need a knee operation.

James Hammond has had a bug and Brad Barry was only on the bench at Havant.

Bloor said: “Not one manager at any level of football ever has every single player fit and available.

“That has changed as a manager in the time I’ve done it.

“Once you think they are all fit, someone else will get something.

“You’ll probably hear that from the Brighton manager, from Graham Potter, from Adam Hinshelwood at Worthing.

“That’s how football is now.”

Bloor will check on bumps and busies for the New Year’s Day fixture – the return game with Havant.

The Hampshire side are rightly proud of their unbeaten away record, having won seven and three of their ten league games on the road.

Borough are aware they will be fired up to avenge their Boxing Day defeat.

Bloor said: “It’s totally different.

“Who knows what might happen.

“If someone had said to me from the two games against Havant you’d get two points, two draws, I would have taken that.

“We are already a point ahead of that with a win at their place.

“They will be looking to put the Boxing Day result right and it will be a different game.”

Tickets cost £13 for adults with concessions also available and can be bought on the gate or in advance via ebfc.co.uk.

Borough are supporting the #NoHomeKit campaign to help the homeless and will be wearing their blue away strip.