EBBW Vale are determined to avoid another home loss to Newport when the two Gwent foes attempt to build on winning starts in the Principality Premiership on Saturday.

The Black and Ambers are aiming for a fourth successive away win against the Steelmen (kick-off 2.30pm) - their last loss at Eugene Cross Park was in March 2008 - and both teams head into the derby after enjoying their opening day fixtures.

Ebbw won 20-8 away at Swalec Cup holders Bridgend while Newport beat Neath 26-22 at the Gnoll, bagging a bonus point in the process.

The Black and Ambers endured a miserable 2014/15 but one of the few high points was an excellent 25-22 September win at Eugene Cross Park, one of only five successes in the league.

Ebbw Vale captain Damien Hudd said: "There's a lot at stake and we don't want to lose our first game at home, especially against Newport because it would be twice they have turned us over.

"They were the better side last year and I think their win was more comfortable that the score suggests – they dominated us at the set piece and beat us at the ruck.

"Newport finished bottom last season but they are a good side with some dangerous players like Ollie Griffiths and they probably should have beaten us at Rodney Parade as well.

"We beat Bridgend last week but it wasn't a great performance and we know that we will have to be better against Newport."

Ebbw Vale finished as runners-up to Pontypridd last season and the success at the Brewery Field was important given that it was a first outing under head coach Nigel Davies, who has taken over the reins from Jason Strange.

"Wins are more important than performances at this stage and we are getting used to Nigel and he is getting used to us," said Hudd.

This season is also a first campaign for Craig Warlow as head coach of Newport and he was delighted with their efforts at the Gnoll.

A penalty try and scores by Barney Nightingale, Craig Attwell and Haydn Palmer bagged a five-point haul but the new boss believes there is plenty more to come.

"It was a really pleasing win and we were in control without really taking advantage – we didn't really kill the game off and that's perhaps symptomatic of us over recent seasons," said the former Dragons fly-half.

"We didn't really show our attacking hand so I hope we can do that against Ebbw Vale because I expect a hard battle against a team that is very familiar with what they are set out to do.

"We have got to get parity at least up front because Ebbw can suffocate teams with their set piece and line speed."