Haverfordwest County 0.

Pennar Robins 1.

An Arran Devine early second-half strike secured second place Pennar Robins the points against nine-man Haver-fordwest County.

Derek Roberts’ Bluebirds knew they had to make big improvements after their crushing defeat at the hands of Hakin United last week — and they did.

Roberts’ cause was boosted by the fact that Welsh Premier players Neil Thomas and Tyrrell Webbe were both available to include in his squad.

However, the Bluebirds’ boss had no control over referee Adrian Wilson, who was clearly card happy, in a match that showed no signs of malice.

Wilson sent-off Bluebirds’ centre-half Dai Rees just before the break and midway through the second period he waved red at central midfielder Lloyd Wilson.

These decisions left the Bluebirds reeling, with just nine-men on the field, but to their credit they gave high-flying Robins a real run for their money.

Matthew Jones’ firm first half header at a corner nearly gave the visitors the lead.

Bluebirds’ defender Nicky Squire forced a brilliant second half fingertip save out of Robins’ keeper Stuart James.

Left-sided midfielder Devine struck a delightful winner early after the break, and Phil Thompson should have made it two, the striker rounding Earp only to see his goalbound effort somehow cleared off the line by Squire.

Haverfordwest County: Shane Earp, Gethin Roberts, Jason Clark, Nicky Squire, Dave Rees, Lloyd Wilson, Matthew Ellis, Neil Thomas, Mike Preddy, Tyrrell Webbe, Dai Davies. Subs: Luke Robinson, Matthew Court, Morgan Whitaker.

Pennar Robins: Stuart James, Mike Powell, Matthew Jones, Lee Brockway, Arran Devine, Darren Shaw, Dean Driscoll, Craig Brockway, Wayne Brunton, Phil Thompson. Subs: Shaun Donohoe, Steve James, Chris Lloyd.

Referee: Adrian Wilson.