CHESTER ROMANS will be hoping for a happy return home when they host Lancashire Wolverines in a crucial American football clash on Sunday, May 12.

The Romans are without a win in any of their three NFC 1 South fixtures so far, with their last two matches bringing comprehensive away defeats in Nottingham and Sandwell respectively.

But the Chester club will be returning to the Cheshire County Sports Club for the first time this weekend since they were cruelly denied an opening day victory against Nottingham Caesars, losing 7-6.

And Levi Edwards is hoping that home comforts will inspire his side to the win that that he says they should always be playing for.

The Romans Head Coach told the Leader: “It will be nice to get back to playing at home in familiar surroundings.

“We look at everything as a must-win, that’s the culture we’re building at the club. There’s no point going on to the field if you don’t have that drive to win.

“It hasn’t been the best of starts to the season, but it’s been a bedding-in process. Winning is a habit, so it’s something we need to get into the groove of.”

Last time out, Chester travelled to the West Midlands in an attempt to improve upon their 38-6 loss against Nottingham the week before.

Instead, though, the Romans were humbled by a masterclass from the highflying league leaders. Sandwell Steelers eased to a 57-12 success – although Chester produced a spirited second-half showing which saw them score 12 points without reply.

And Edwards believes that lessons have been learnt after playing against a side that he describes as “the best in the whole of Division One.”

He adds: “They’ve got a lot of guys that have played at GB level, and lots of experience which makes them a very, very good team.

“There was a lot to learn, and we took a lot out of it. We’re proud of how the guys responded in the second half, and how they kept fighting and working.

“It showed us where we want to be at, and what we need to work towards.

The Romans currently find themselves fifth in their six-team NFC 1 South division, one place behind their upcoming Lancashire opponents who have won one of their two games so far.

After having just half of their regular squad available for their recent trip to Sandwell, Edwards expects to have a full complement of around 60 players for Sunday’s game against Lancashire.

Jake Cooke is the only concern for Edwards as the wide receiver looks to get back to fitness following a knee injury.

Elsewhere in the league, it’s top versus bottom as the seemingly unstoppable Sandwell Steelers host a winless Doncaster Mustangs side.

Meanwhile, second-place Shropshire Revolution have a free weekend to prepare for their trip to Chester next week on Sunday, May 19.