Rule 20 (a), to be precise, states that ‘in the event of the scores in a match being level at the end of 90 minutes’ play, 30 minutes of extra-time shall be played in two equal periods of 15 minutes’.

The captains of both teams were informed of the referee’s decision to play just ten minutes each way at the end of normal time on Sunday as he had to shoot off early. But he did not consult either manager, and clearly let both teams know who was in charge. Essentially, it was the duty of the man in black to know the laws of the game. Law 5 in the FA handbook reads: “Each match is controlled by a ref who has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match.

“Decisions will be made to the best of the referee’s ability according to the Laws of the Game and the spirit of the game and will be based on the opinion of the referee who has the discretion to take appropriate action within the framework of the Laws of the Game.’

In the end the tie was decided on penalties, so the referee didn’t make his planned early exit after all. This is all to the detriment of Haroldeans, who for me, have been unfairly punished as they have done nothing wrong. They won fair and square on the day.

Unless they decide to appeal the decision, or forfeit, Manchester will have a second bite at the cherry. And I don’t expect them to roll over and let Haroldeans progress. Should the tie be replayed, it will be even more keenly contested than the original match.

Whatever the result, Haroldeans’ ‘victory’ shows how far the team have come since stepping out of Maccabi football. They left the MJSL with heavy hearts, citing the need for a new challenge for an ambitious group of players after dominating in recent seasons and winning the treble.

They are holding their own in the Liverpool Houses Business League and remain on course for the treble. And although they haven’t got the biggest squad in the world, they deserve plenty of credit for showing the desire and intent to rival the top Jewish teams in the country.

* Leo Ackerman hopes lightning strikes twice when he lines up for Oxford  in the Varsity football match against Cambridge at the Hive in Edgware on Sunday. Ackerman, who also plays for HMH in the MGBSFL, scored in last year’s 3-0 victory with a superb solo effort and he could be the one to watch as Oxford go in search of what would be their fifth consecutive victory.