London United started their Trophy campaign on the road to Essex and Herts Leopards on Saturday at the Brentwood Centre. It was hailed as the Leopards comeback game, which served to pump up the home team and bring in the crowds.

United, with all their new recruits on display never really got going as apposed to the Leopards who came out firing and playing tenacious defence.

Right from the get-go Leopards were on top, taking a 28-16 advantage into the 2nd quarter. Hayden Herrin controlled the point well for Leopards as London's offence continually broke down due to bad turnovers. It seems as if the United team may need time to gel together due to the amount of new recruits they have even though they have promised much in pre-season.

Peter Van Elswyk brought United back into the game by the half time whistle as he scored consistently going to the hoop although Leopards maintained the lead at 43-37.

The game reached its crucial point at the beginning of the second half as neither team could score for the first few plays until United turned up the heat on defence and brought the game back to a 2 point deficit as Steve Vear hit his first 3 pointer of the game, and then United slipped back into making some poor pass selections and lost the impetus as Leopards were allowed to respond with lay-ups.

United didn't look like they were able to get back into the game, even though they displayed so much talent on the floor as the harder working Leopards set an example of why "wanting to win" can get you results.

The game closed out with Leopards winning 86-72 with United now facing a 2 week lay off until they play the first home match against the Leopards at Brunel University on the 3rd October tip off at 4pm.

London's top scorers were Vear 17, Van Elsyk 14 and Reid 13.

Leopards scorers were Herrin 28, Wicker 26 and Moore 10.

London Line up Vear, Hockey, Deppisch, Van Elswyk, Williams, Reid, Mumuni, Saloman and Kubacki Coaches: Majewski and Schiller.