Bolton manager Sammy Lee believes Bolton still have a lot of work to do if they are to progress to the second round of the UEFA Cup.
A goal from Abdoulaye Meite seven minutes from time secured a 1-1 draw against Rabotnicki in Macedonia.
It should give Bolton confidence for the second leg in a fortnight after they ended a run of five defeats in six games.
Lee, however, is urging caution.
He said: "It is still only half-time and we have still got a lot to play for at the Reebok.
"We are not favourites in my book. I have too much respect for the opposition to claim that.
"There is still the second half of this tie to go and it will be another difficult game."
Bolton were rocked when Nemanja Milisavlevic opened the scoring in the 53rd minute after a swift counter-attack.
The Macedonian league's joint leaders played some good football in front of a passionate home support but Lee was critical of his team's defending.
He said: "What was displeasing was the way we defended.
"We struggled to contend with 50-yard balls launched over the top and that is a concern for me."
Meite's equaliser came after goalkeeper Filip Madzovski fumbled a free-kick from Nicolas Anelka.
Lee said: "You always need luck in games. It does play a part.
"I was pleased with the effort and commitment and the number of chances we created.
"There were a lot of positives today. Rabotnicki at a good team and it was a good game to watch."
Lee is hoping that Bolton have turned the corner after five defeats in six league games and he remains confident that his players can improve at home and abroad.
He said: "We have a good squad, a strong squad. We want to progress in Europe and compete in the Premier League as well. That is our bread and butter."
The hosts almost went ahead in the 24th minute but Ivan Trickovski failed to take advantage after Wanderers goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen spilled a shot from Nderim Nedzipi.
El-Hadji Diouf squandered a good chance eight minutes later when Kevin Nolan's mis-hit shot fell to him and Nicolas Anelka really should have opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time but he could only hit the side-netting after going round goalkeeper Madzovski from a Gary Speed pass.
It should give Bolton confidence for the second leg in a fortnight after they ended a run of five defeats in six games.
Lee, however, is urging caution.
He said: "It is still only half-time and we have still got a lot to play for at the Reebok.
"We are not favourites in my book. I have too much respect for the opposition to claim that.
"There is still the second half of this tie to go and it will be another difficult game."
Bolton were rocked when Nemanja Milisavlevic opened the scoring in the 53rd minute after a swift counter-attack.
The Macedonian league's joint leaders played some good football in front of a passionate home support but Lee was critical of his team's defending.
He said: "What was displeasing was the way we defended.
"We struggled to contend with 50-yard balls launched over the top and that is a concern for me."
Meite's equaliser came after goalkeeper Filip Madzovski fumbled a free-kick from Nicolas Anelka.
Lee said: "You always need luck in games. It does play a part.
"I was pleased with the effort and commitment and the number of chances we created.
"There were a lot of positives today. Rabotnicki at a good team and it was a good game to watch."
Lee is hoping that Bolton have turned the corner after five defeats in six league games and he remains confident that his players can improve at home and abroad.
He said: "We have a good squad, a strong squad. We want to progress in Europe and compete in the Premier League as well. That is our bread and butter."
The hosts almost went ahead in the 24th minute but Ivan Trickovski failed to take advantage after Wanderers goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen spilled a shot from Nderim Nedzipi.
El-Hadji Diouf squandered a good chance eight minutes later when Kevin Nolan's mis-hit shot fell to him and Nicolas Anelka really should have opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time but he could only hit the side-netting after going round goalkeeper Madzovski from a Gary Speed pass.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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