Two disallowed goals gave FC United a share of the spoils after Celtic bossed large periods of the game.

An opener from Matt Van Wyk was cancelled out by a Godwin Abadaki equaliser but Celtic felt harshly done by with two goals ruled out.

Chris Dagnall had an early effort deflected just past the post by Michael Donohue as he lashed in a half clearance, while Harry Benns found the space at the edge of the box, picking his post to force Dan Lavercombe into a full-stretch save.

From a well worked free-kick, Domain Rouse rose highest to head in the game’s opening goal, being called offside and having the goal chalked off, a marginal call.

Dagnall kept going, forcing Lavercombe to dirty the other side of his kit, before Celtic scored again. If the offside had been harsh, Domain Rouse forced Lavercombe into a superb stop, but was only able to parry, and Benns showed creative thinking to volley a backheel into the back of the net. Somehow, despite being tangled in the net, Lavercombe was able to knock the ball clear. Had it crossed the line? Absolutely.

Obviously, after such a calamitous decision, FC United went up the other end and scored. They worked the goal well, Michael Donohue’s through ball to put Van Wyk one-on-one with Greg Hall was arguably better than the finish, and the finish was excellent, rifled into the back of the net.

The travesty didn’t stand. Abadaki’s shot from another dangerous Ben Richardson corner deflected past the post by Alex Wollerton and from the corner, the home side were unable to clear their lines, Abadaki came through the crowd and applied a triumphant finish ensuring no official could deny him the goal.

FC United started the second half the stronger of the two teams, Donohue’s rising effort requiring a full length flying stop by Hall, pushing the ball out for a corner.

Then Celtic brought on new signing Alfie Henderson and Under 21’s graduate George Omokua. They caused endless problems for the United back line, Omokua especially will be giving Adam Dodd nightmares, if he can sleep with tangled feet.

He twice went agonisingly close after running Dodd ragged, and Henderson finished off a decent move but fired over the bar.

Despite five added minutes, Celtic were the ones looking more likely to score.

Sadly, they couldn’t find the back of the net.

Had both Celtic’s goals stood, 3-1 for the visitors would have been a fair reflection.