A SECOND half fight back by Hoppers just failed to get any reward from this vital relegation clash.

Hoppers were first to attack but their opening score only came after the Midlands side had ventured into home territory.

A swift counter attack saw Russell Flynn and Chris Glynn combine, with the young winger touching down for a try in the corner. Glynn added the conversion.

A Southam penalty reduced the arrears within minutes. Glynn and Southam both then kicked penalties as the sides looked well matched.

Nottingham's forwards quickly made progress before releasing the ball for centre Campbell to find a gap for a try near the posts. Southam converted. A second Nottingham try soon followed, when their pack drove hooker Bailey over from a line out. Again Southam added the extra points.

The second half opened disastrously for Hoppers. The officials missed a blatant knock on as Nottingham attacked.

The Hoppers defence hesitated expecting a whistle, but Campbell took his chance claiming the ball for a soft try. Southam converted.

Stung into action Hoppers hit back and were unfortunate when Paul Bailey was adjudged to have knocked on when going for a try. It was Hoppers turn to benefit from a refereeing error as their knock on was missed. The move continued somewhat erratically before Tim Lough gathered the ball to put Chris Glynn in for a try. Glynn converted.

It was Hoppers all the way now and midway through the half a quickly taken penalty saw Tim Lough cross in the corner. Glynn's long conversion was sufficiently accurate.

A Glynn penalty six minutes from time then set up a grandstand finish. A penalty attempt hit a post and bounced out then a drop goal attempt was too low.

Hoppers last chance came in injury time but Glynn did not have the range with his final penalty attempt. On Saturday Hoppers travel to Harrogate.

Preston Grasshoppers 25 Nottingham 27