Scarlets dominated possession and territory but were unable to find the finishing touch to see off a dogged Cardiff in an edgy BKT United Rugby Championship round four clash at Parc y Scarlets.

The home side bossed the game for long periods, but, crucially, lacked a clinical edge and also had a couple of tries disallowed by the officials.

The Scarlets were pressing for the match-winning score in the closing minutes but a red card for back-rower Vaea Fifita ended their hopes.

A cagey opening saw Cardiff lead through a Jarrod Evans penalty on six minutes.

Leigh Halfpenny responded for the Scarlets, but it was Cardiff who crossed for the game’s first try when Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams dived over following a bust by fellow international Rhys Carre.

Scarlets’ response was swift, with centre Corey Baldwin showing good strength and pace to finish off a break from Sam Costelow. However, the officials ruled that Costelow’s scoring pass was forward and the score was chalked off.

Halfpenny then hit the post with a penalty strike and it meant Cardiff led 10-3 at the break.

Two Evans penalties extended the visitors’ advantage early in the second period, but the remainder of the half belonged to the Scarlets.

Time after time the home side pressed for the try, but time and again Cardiff were able to repel the attacks.

Halfpenny was held up over the line, then, after a series of penalties, replacement hooker Kirby Myhill was shown yellow.

Scarlets finally took advantage of the extra man when they freed right wing Johnny McNicholl to dive in at the corner. Halfpenny nailed the touchline conversion which meant there was only one score in it going into the final minutes.

Back came the Scarlets and after wing Theo Cabango was yellow carded, the home side had a penalty five metres out. However, the officials spotted a dangerous clearout by Fifita in the previous passage of play, with the back-rower duly shown red by referee Adam Jones.

From there, Cardiff, led superbly by player of the match Josh Turnbull, were able to see out the game for a much-needed win after a difficult week.

The Scarlets will look to pick themselves up ahead of next Saturday’s round five game against Zebre in Llanelli.