Scotland’s first glimpse of a Heineken Cup win in France was slammed shut as Agen Francois Jelez slotted a late penalty goal on Friday night.

A classy late try by Scotland international Hugo Southwell looked to have sealed a famous win for the Scots, before substitute Jelez kicked the clinching goal two minutes from time.

Edinburgh trailed 13-3 at the interval but dug in and four penalties from stand-off Phil Godman – replacing Scotland star Chris Paterson as goal-kicker – ensured that the visitors were always in the game.

Agen hooker Ajil Narjissi was driven across the line early, and Jerome Miquel’s conversion and penalty goal gave his side the lead.

Edinburgh were more composed in the closing stages of the half, but fell further behind when Miquel slotted his second penalty.

Miquel was back on target six minutes after the restart before Edinburgh began to rally.

Godman kicked two quick penalties as the home team tired, and the fly-half found the target again 10 minutes later to pave the way for a tense finale.

Pyke silenced the crowd with the score that edged his team in front for the first time, but the Scots could not hold on and fell to defeat after Jelez’s late kick.