Gloucester took their expected place in the Powergen Cup semi-finals - but only after a west-country derby dogfight in miserable conditions at Kingsholm.

National League One leaders Bristol made Gloucester scrap every inch of the way, suggesting they are ready for a Zurich Premiership return next season.

Ultimately, the combined influence of England international Andy Gomarsall and Henry Paul saw Gloucester home.

Paul kicked three first-half penalties and converted scrum-half Gomarsall's 47thminute try, a classic poacher's effort when he pounced on stray Bristol possession to dive over from close range.

Gomarsall also created the clinching score, kicking over the Bristol defence for former Shogun lock Alex Brown to gather a kind bounce and touch down.

A groggy Gomarsall was also in the wars, though, briefly going off for treatment before returning to the action and then departing permanently just a few minutes from time.

There did not appear to be any obvious injury concern. But England head coach Andy Robinson is in a position to take nothing for granted, given his recent run of ill luck which has ruled out the likes of Johnny Wilkinson, Mike Tindall and Martin Corry for next month's RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Wales in Cardiff.

Bristol never seriously threatened to score a try. But their fitness levels were of Premiership standard and their forwards freely mixed it with the Gloucester pack, despite a gluepot pitch and driving rain.

Shoguns number eight Jim Brownrigg was named man of the match in a hard-working display from the visitors.

Gloucester just needed to get their show back on the road following a miserable display which saw them crash out of the Heineken Cup against French Champions Stade Francais six days ago.

It was not pretty in front of a capacity 13,000 crowd. But Gloucester are just two wins away from lifting the Powergen Cup for a second time in three seasons - a feat which would bring with it automatic Heineken Cup qualification next term.

Once the heavens opened just before kick-off, it meant that the game was never going to be a free-flowing spectacle - and Gloucester were indebted to Paul kicking three penalties between the 16th and 33rd minutes.

Bristol predictably came out with all guns blazing; yet Gloucester were able to contain their opponents, and Paul's accuracy enabled them to enjoy a comfortable interval lead.

When Gomarsall struck seven minutes into the second period it looked as though the floodgates might open - but Bristol dug deep and prevented their illustrious opponents from scoring again until 10 minutes from time.

Gloucester rugby director Nigel Melville knows his team must produce a considerable improvement when they return to Premiership action against Worcester next Saturday.

Melville's men have slipped out of play-off contention and need a run of success to give themselves a chance of catching third-placed Sale.

For Bristol, the league is everything - and trips to title rivals Exeter and Plymouth promise to shape their destiny.

All Bristol can do is try and finish top of the pile - and then hope they meet all the entry criteria for a prized Premiership place.

If they take the National League One title on today's evidence it would be rough justice indeed if they are prevented from reclaiming their place among English rugby's elite.