Even in a pre-season fixture controversy dogs a fixture between Celtic and Altrincham.

The game's only goal came early on, when Ton McMillan tried to shepherd a long punt up field out for a throw in, only to be unceremoniously shoved over by Michael Rankine, who took the ball, and from an acute angle curled the ball in. The goal stood. After this Altrincham rarely threatened although Celtic's best chance was a cracking free kick from Adam Farrell was tipped over the bat by veteran keeper Stuart Coburn.

The second half was more of the same, with Celtic look the more likely to score, but not creating that many real chances. Aaron Chalmers did carve open the Altrincham defence and force Coburn into a superb save. John O?Keefe brought the best out of McMillan with a volley that McMillan punched clear, whilst Coburn did the same from Steve Tames? effort.

The game's second moment of controversy came when Haven handled on the goal line, and Matty Hughes stabbed home the loose ball, only to have the goal disallowed due to offside. James Lawrie almost added insult to injury when his late effort dipped over McMillan but crashed against the bar.

Despite the result, and the comedy-goals-club opening offering, the performance was promising.