Andrew Peart, the assistant coach at University of the West Indies (UWI) FC, says reaching 35 points will see his team avoiding demotion from the top tier of local club football.

UWI, kicking up a fair amount of storm in their debut season in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL), are eighth with 22 points from 18 games.

Ahead of the season Head Coach Marcel Gayle insisted that avoiding relegation was the main aim, but their chances appeared gloomy after a difficult introduction to the top flight.

“We’re satisfied with the points we have picked up so far. Of course there were games where we dropped points when we shouldn’t have. We have 22 points, and this is after we lost the opening three games of the RSPL,” Peart said.

“For the remainder of the second round and for the third round we want to pick up as many points as possible. We want to keep it going between now and the rest of the season. Getting to round about 35 points should guarantee safety for next season, and that’s very important,” added the UWI assistant coach.

For a team getting to grips with the semi-professional set-up, their position in the 12-team points standing is an encouraging sign, especially since a handful of more established clubs are currently below them. Tivoli Gardens FC have 19 points, while Waterhouse FC have 15.

Peart explained that though his team has turned a corner, there is still more for them to accomplish.

“I think you could say we have certainly caught on to the Premier League. One thing is that we haven’t won an away game as yet, and that has to improve for the remaining games,” he said.

Last season’s finalists Montego Bay United lead the RSPL with 34 points. Portmore United, who also have 34 points, are in second place due to an inferior goal difference.