THIS was a remarkable and hard-fought win – the Bluebirds’ third in a week and the second time they have kept a clean sheet against a top-three side.

It was a tough encounter all the way with Bryntirion maybe shading the first half. The Bluebirds might still have gone ahead in the 28th minute when a stinging shot from Owen Thomas drew a fine save from keeper Walters.

The turning point came just a minute before half-time, when Richard Lewis was brought down in the box by Ricardo Hodge. Chris O’Sullivan’s spot kick was saved by Walters, low to his right, but rebounded into Sully’s path for him to drive it home.

The Bluebirds might just have doubled their lead a minute after half-time when Gareth Elliott’s powerful header drew another fine save from Walters. Bryntirion had the better chances after that, with Shaun Barney-Williams heading wide from an Ian Turner cross.

The Bluebirds’ rearguard of Phil Cattlin, Gareth Elliott, Dale Griffiths and Dave Evans was superb as the side dug in for the victory. Bryn had two vigorous penalty shouts in the last five minutes but referee Stewart was unmoved.

The Bluebirds now go into a four-point lead for second place leaving Taff’s Well with it all to do, needing four points from their remaining two games, both tough local derbies against AFC Porth and Caerau (Ely).

Congratulations finally to Cambrian and Clydach, who on the same night clinched their first title Haverfordwest County: Peter Blain; David Evans; Dale Griffiths; Phil Cattlin; Gareth Elliott; Chris O’Sullivan (Owen Thomas 75’); Ritchie Lewis; Ricky Watts; Jamie Evans (Nicky Woodrow 78); Darren Griffiths (Rob Morgans 89’). Substitutes not used: Jay Brockway; Anton Owens.

l The Bluebirds’ tilt at promotion is going right through to the season’s end. Before last weekend Taff’s Well needed at least four points from their last two games to pinch the second spot from the Bluebirds. They drew their game with AFC Porth 1-1 on Saturday, after Porth had led through much of the second half before Clayton Green put the Wellmen level with a disputed penalty. (At this stage of the season, of course, nearly all penalties are disputed).

The situation remaining is that if Taff’s Well won their last game at Caerau (Ely), (which was due to be played last night as the Telegraph went to press), by just one goal, the sides would be level both on points and goal difference.

Things will then be settled on the greater number of goals for, which would leave the Bluebirds sneaking home. So to take second Taff’s Well must win against Caerau and need to win by at least two goals.