THEY say playing the lottery is a waste of money and the odds are stacked against you – but try telling that to Nick Davies.

The football official from Newtown was running the line at Rhayader Town’s Weirglodd on Tuesday night (March 8) during the Emrys Morgan Cup semi-final clash between Tywyn Bryncrug and Hay St Marys. Ceredigion side Tywyn won the tense game 2-1 after extra-time thanks to Tom Allen-Davies’ dramatic winner in the additional period. However, while their supporters celebrated, the loudest cheer of the night was bound to have come from the referee’s changing rooms when Mr Davies discovered he’d won the host club’s lotto competition – taking home a staggering £10,000.

“The winner came down tonight, bought two tickets and he’s walked away with £10,000,” said Rhayader Town Football Club on their Facebook page, posting a picture with the beaming winner after the game.

“It’s that simple, buy a ticket locally or online at clubforce.com to enter. The jackpot next week will be £7,100. Good luck.”

There had been some excitement before the club announced the winner, due to the game going to extra time. The club said in earlier posts: "We have a winner on the lotto. The name will be announced at 9.15pm when we have finished counting local tickets." Later, the club added: "Unfortunately the game has gone to extra time, we want to get a picture with the winner so please stay with us for another 30 minutes or so and the winner will be revealed."