Back of the net! Ashley’s £48,000 football bet win

A FREE bet has cost a bookies an eye-watering £48,000 — and transformed the life of a jubilant factory worker from Moorside.

Ashley Darley (30), was at home waiting for the results of six football matches after placing an online bet with Betfred.

He had already won on the games at Colchester, Gillingham, Peterborough, Halifax and Forest Green.

But whether or not he’d be in the money big time rested on York eventually scoring against Plymouth in League Two.

He was watching the results come in on “Sky Soccer Saturday” and couldn’t believe his good fortune, which he immediately shared with his girlfriend Nicky.

Ashley said: “I have been a Betfred customer ten years and only won once before — £1,000 a few years back.

“I sent Nicky a text to say I was waiting on one result for a big, big win.

“I’m a Manchester United fan but do follow the lower leagues and this kind of bet does offer great value especially as it was free!

“I just enjoy having a regular bet on football and the horses. I usually get down the Betfred shop in Oldham town centre but to encourage me to switch to online betting Betfred gave me £30 in free bets.

“Nick thought I was lying when I sent that text. You could say we had a few drinks on the Saturday night but really it hasn’t sunk in yet. It’s weird to have won all this on a free bet and I have still got another £20 to spend.”

The couple, who have been together nine years and have a child, currently live in a council house, and will use the winnings to buy their own home.