Bolton Wanderers' first great European adventure ended in heartbreak in Marseille's Stade Velodrome on Thursday night but assistant manager Sammy Lee was defiant. "It's not the end of the journey, it's the start of the journey," he said.

Tal Ben Haim scored the unlucky own goal as Marseille came from behind to end the UEFA Cup challenge of Sam Allardyce's side. But in reality the tie was lost by a series of atrocious refereeing errors in the first leg at the Reebok last Wednesday which cost Wanderers at least two penalties in a goal-less draw.

Wanderers are left with just the FA Cup and Barclays Premiership fixtures to look forward to. They play Fulham on Sunday (1pm) and will be looking to bounce back quickly from what could prove to be a demoralising defeat.

Sammy Lee attached no blame to Ben Haim for the own goal which proved so crucial. "It was a terrific ball in, you can't criticise the lad," he said. "The lads are dejected. They have given a great account of themselves. "It's very disappointing as we were in a winning position but to lose a goal so deep in stoppage time changed the complex of the game."

"But it's not the end of the journey, it's the start of the journey. "They fought magnificently, there is a great spirit in the camp and they are very disappointed."

Trotter's boss Sam Allardyce attended the match despite suffering from a chest infection. He only arrived in France on the morning of the match and Lee said: "Sam is a massive presence and the fact that everything ran smoothly is down to the preparation he put in."

Meanwhile, substitute Henrik Pedersen suffered a gash in his heel on his comeback. The striker had his first run-out in four months but lasted only 13 minutes. He could now be doubtful for the league match against Fulham on Sunday.