Glasgow Caledonians are almost certainly out of contention foor a Heineken Cup play-off place after falling to the superior power of Pau.

Glasgow held a 17-13 lead into the second half and were on course to chalk up their first win in the competition this season, but five unanswered Pau tries snuffed out their hopes.

Three Mark McKenzie penalties in the opening nine minutes gave Glasgow a 9-3 lead, but they botched a try-scoring chance when James McLaren, playing his first cup game of the season, could not hold the pass from Jon Petrie.

Pau took the lead in the 14th minute when they moved effortlessly into attack and number eight Eric Gouloumet powered through weak tackling.

The first half was prolonged following a 20th minute neck injury to Pau centre Charles Cistacq who had to go off on a stretcher.

Glasgow struck first after the break with a try to Alan Bulloch, but just when they thought they held the edge David Arrieta struck twice.

The floodgates then opened with three tries inside the final five minutes to Damien Traille, Guillaume Combes and Aucagne, who finished with five conversions.

The home team closed the game with a consolation try by Gordon Simpson converted by McKenzie.

Glasgow Caledonians: Shepherd, Steel, A. Bulloch, McLaren, Metcalfe, McKenzie, Beveridge, Hilton, Di Ciacca, McIlwham, Campbell, Griffiths, White, Simpson, Petrie. Replacements: Welsh, Watt, Burns, Waite, Stott, Hayes, Longstaff.

Pau: Arrieta, Cambres, Guilhem, Cistacq, Arbo, Aucagne, Carbonneau, Larrouy, Dal Maso, Bria, Cleda, Lagouarde, Agueb, Mallier, Goulomet.

Referee: Gareth Simmonds (Cardiff)