Soccer ball nets a profit

Money raised will go towards developing the ground

A south west Wales football club has celebrated Wales's 1-0 victory against Germany on Tuesday night by auctioning off a match ball.

When the final whistle blew, Wales striker John Hartson, jubilantly kicked the ball into the stand.

Robert Earnshaw scored on his Wales debut

After ricocheting off the first level balcony it eventually landed in the hands of former Carmarthen mayor, Peter Hughes Griffiths.

Mr Griffiths is a stalwart of the town's League of Wales club, and the ball was put up for sale at the club's annual dinner on Friday.

"We were in line with the goal and on our feet celebrating when we saw Hartson kick the ball," he said.

"It flew over our heads and hit the stand above us.

"It dropped straight down into my arms.

"Without counting the wife I can honestly say that it is the best catch I have made in my life."

Development

A number of items went on sale at the auction, including a Michael Owen shirt signed by the England striker, and a rugby ball autographed by the Argentinean side.

The sale raised nearly £600 which will be put towards dressing room improvements at the club's Richmond Park ground.

The club are also hoping the Football Association of Wales will allow the lucky winner to have the ball autographed by members of the national team.

The ball is not the only connection the club has with Tuesday night's famous victory. Mark Delaney, who played a significant role in keeping a clean sheet for Wales, spent three seasons with the club.