Bolton’s first European campaign ended last night at the hands of French giants Marseille. Sam Allardyce’s men were woefully unlucky to go out to an own goal by Ben Haim. Bolton were the better side in the first half. Gary Speed and Abdoulaye Faye bossed the midfield while Stelios and Nolan caused problems out wide.
Things were looking good for the Wanderers when Stelios netted the first goal of the game. Stelios pounced when Marseille goalkeeper, Fabian Barthez, fumbled what should have been a rudimentary catch. Barthez, who is well known for his eccentricity from his time at Manchester United, presented Stelios with an easy finish.
Bolton looked to be cruising to half time. Stelios could have doubled his tally with a volley which was well blocked by Barthez.
Unfortunately, lively attacking midfielder Ribery pounced on the stroke of half-time with a neat header. This sent Bolton into the half-time interval downbeat and served to waken the home support.
If things had stayed at one apiece then Bolton would have progressed on away goals, however it was not to be.
Marseille’s own Faye managed to get beyond Stelios and fire a hard low cross into the six yard box. This was the fatal moment when Ben Haim put the ball into his own net. In his defence, if he had missed the ball it is likely that Niang would have scored the winner instead.
Bolton can go home with their heads held high after a fantastic performance which has put Bolton on European football’s map.
Share this article
