Matt Pini scored the solitary try of a punishing Principality Cup semi-final clash as Newport pipped plucky Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale.

Pini's first-half touchdown proved the difference between two evenly matched sides in a tie dominated by rival goalkickers Shane Howarth and Jason Strange.

Newport fly-half Howarth booted 14 points, while opposite number Strange slotted four penalties, but the Black and Ambers did just enough, despite producing a below-par performance.

"We should have produced much better form after scoring the try, but it seemed to me that we fell asleep," Howarth said. "We will have to sit down and analyse the second-half performance."

Gareth Taylor took his place alongside Simon Raiwalui in the second-row as Newport targeted a cup final place for the first time since 1986.

Howarth booted Newport ahead through an angled fourth-minute penalty and doubled that advantage just three minutes later, but Strange halved Vale's arrears through a short-range penalty strike.

Howarth and Strange exchanged penalties before Newport struck 10 minutes before the break, when their first bout of attacking adventure produced the only try of the match.

Under siege

Howarth's blindside break stretched Vale's defensive organisation and swift recycled ball enabled centre Jason Jones-Hughes to link with South African prop Adrian Garvey and send former Italian and Australian Test full-back Pini scampering over.

Howarth landed the conversion and Vale's frustration was summed up when lock Chay Billen stamped on Newport wing Matthew Watkins, but referee Nigel Whitehouse chose to lecture him, rather than brandish a yellow card.

Newport took a 10-point advantage into the second period, yet found themselves under concerted pressure as Vale - cup runners-up in 1998 - sensed another big day out.