Even with the surprising defeats of both Manchester clubs, and the drama of VAR errors in North London, the headlines on Saturday were dominated by only one match.

The annual St Albans Cathedral Boys Choir grudge match took place in the cauldron that was Toulmin Drive Playing Fields. The old foes, Decani and Cantoris, lined up as they do most evenings for evensong: brutally staring each other down across a divide. Gone now were the kneelers and choir stalls, replaced by the chalky paint of the centre circle; the congregation now the braying mob of parent fans. There is no sense of God on this hallowed turf, only young mortals fighting to take their place in the pantheon of football greats.

As the Captains Harry and Ethan grimly shook hands, surely neither could have foreseen the roller-coaster ride of emotions that lay before them.

Decani weathered the early storm, with their keeper Henry particularly impressing by keeping his side in the game. Sometimes these big games promise so much and then deliver so little. This was not one of those occasions. With tackles flying in, referee Dan Reid kept the game flowing without needing to get his cards out, his well drilled team allowing football to take centre stage, rather than any VAR controversy. Soon Decani’s talismanic striker Alby was creating havoc at the other end, finishing a devastating hat-trick of goals. As half time blew, Cantoris were staring down the barrel of defeat. Decani were leading 4-1.

Football, it is often said, is a game of two halves. What captain Harry said to his team will become the plaything of myth makers, because Cantoris came out for the second half with a new belief in their eye. Forget the miracle of Istanbul: this was to become the miracle of Toulmin Drive.

Having remembered to put on his shooting boots for the second half, Elliot, a prospect scouted by many of the big clubs, completed his own hat-trick; but perhaps the real mastermind was midfield maestro Finn, making an early bid to be the new Master of the Music as he conducted his team with total control and composure. Adding his own brace to the score, the final whistle blew. 

Decani 4 - Cantoris 6.

In a match that will be recounted for at least one year, these choristers proved that, on the pitch at least, miracles do happen. The echoes of their triumph will be resounding throughout the Cathedral for weeks to come, a hymn to the beautiful game.

Cantoris lifting the cup.

Decani 4 - Cantoris 6

Alby (3)            Elliot (3)
Adam (1)          Finn (2)
                         Zac (1)

Man of the match: Elliot

Golden glove: Henry

Golden boots: Elliot and Alby