Football is the most unpredictable game, even when it is entirely predictable.

A 1-1 draw is one of the most common results, but AFC Wimbledon’s draw with Forest Green Rovers by that scoreline had enough twists and turns to qualify as an F1 circuit.

Wimbledon were far the better side in the early stages of the first, employing an effective press to force passing mistakes from the visitors’ defence, and they also had success in each third of the pitch.

The attacking threat of Josh Neufville on the left and Armani Little in the centre complemented James Tilley’s jinking glides and meant Rovers’ resources couldn’t be concentrated in any one area.

However, the tide unexpectedly began to change, and the next 20 minutes saw Rovers create a trio of chances that should have yielded at least a couple of goals.

Kyle McCallister hit the post with the hardest of the three, finding space on the edge of the box as the Dons’ defence dropped too deep.

The two easiest fell to Matthew Stevens, who was found centrally and close to the Wimbledon goal, but couldn’t free the ball from his feet and gave Isaac Ogundere time to swing round and audaciously tackle him.

Minutes later, the unmarked Stevens seemed sure to power Jamie Robson’s perfect cross home from no further out than the six-yard line, but he aimed straight at Alex Bass and allowed the keeper to spectacularly tip him over the bar.

The game’s high pace had only been interrupted by the unfortunate departure of captain Jake Reeves, who was forced off with an injury, but happily replaced by the future deadlock breaker.

Indeed, it was the substitute James Ball, in his third appearance, who popped up at the near post to convert Armani Little’s in-swinging corner and wheeled in delight in front of the packed Reston Waste Stand, a first-half goal probably not on his list of expectations for the game.

Chances then abounded, but in their second period of dominance Wimbledon couldn’t find a way to double the lead.

The second period was a maddening opposite for Wimbledon. Their multiple good chances could not find the goal, while Forest Green made their moment, against the run of play, count.

The arrival of near-biblical rain, wind, lighting and thunder almost turned the football into a secondary spectacle, but made it the perfect time to introduce Deeney and, simultaneously, strike partner Tyreese Omotoye. Immediately, Rovers had a dangerous counter-attacking threat.

It might have been made obsolete as Ali Al-Hamadi was given the game’s best chance by Alex Bass’ brilliant sidewinder pass, but his composure in angling up the finish left him on contact, his strike sailing over the bar.

Naturally, Wimbledon were immediately punished. Forest Green marched up the other end and scored as Deeney lobbed Bass to add insult to injury. Strong questions hung over the lack of an offside call by the assist, but the game was level regardless.

Wimbledon bounced back by creating a handful of good chances, but were left cursing goalkeeper Luke Daniels as his saves late-on denied them three points.

Neufville and Al-Hamadi were certain their successive curling strikes from the left corner of the box had given the Dons the lead, but Daniels repeatedly covered the extremities of his goal to earn the visitors a point.