Chester Romans came close to pulling off a memorable comeback but fell just short at home to Nottingham Caesars, losing out 28-25.

Sunday's BAFA National League NFC One clash at The Cheshire County Sports Club was expected to be a close encounter and so it proved, although the visitors were 21 points up at one stage.

Even though his team lose, Romans head coach Simon Wainwright felt there were plenty of positives.

He said: "This was a fantastic effort by all of the team. Nottingham were playing Premiership football last season, and we were so close from taking the victory.

"Despite the loss, the improved performances by everyone bode well for the club going forward."

Nottingham made a strong start and opened up a 6-0 lead in less than a minute into the game with a deep pass to the wide-receiever.

Chester's offence struggled to get things going and the Caesars rescued a botched field goal attempt, scooping up the ball and turning it into a touchdown to take a 12-0 advantage.

Eventually the hosts fired in possession, quarterback Brad Chilvers connecting with wide-receiver Martin Cocking from 10 yards to make the score 12-7.

However, Nottingham were in the Premiership last year and that class showed with a drive downfield resulting in a touchdown and a two point conversion.

It could have been worse for Chester had Thomas Shimmin not claimed his second interception in two games to prevent another score as Romans ended the half 20-7 behind.

Nottingham did move further ahead following the restart with the visiting quarterback running in from three yards and the two point conversion meant the lead was 21 points.

But the momentum of the game then changed as Chester defensive end Karl Smither stormed into the Caesars quarterback in his own end zone for a two point safety.

Chilvers, who finished with over 240 passing yards, had been having plenty of success with favourite target Cocking and when the defence doubled up on him, the quarterback switched to Rory Mansfield, who was named offensive MVP.

Mansfield pulled down an 18 yard touchdown pass and another two point conversion brought them to within 11 points.

Joe Landrum's interception denied Nottingham and laid the platform for rookie running back Tom Peto, who weaved through tackles and ran 70 yards to score.

Defensive MVP Tom Staples, Dave Goodall and Scott Gilham kept the Caesars offence in check and the comeback looked on when defensive end Rich Burgess forced a fumble and recovered the ball with four minutes to go.

Nottingham's defence stood strong and picked off Chilvers in the end zone but rookie linebacker James Chapman pounced on a loose punt to win back possession.

A serious injury to a Caesars player in the melee necessitated a long break, following which Chester could not breakthrough the defence and Nottingham's quarterback took a knee and gave up a safety to run the clock out as the game ended 28-25.