After taking a three-point lead in the opening six minutes, London failed to maintain the momentum and finished up well-beaten against a far from impressive Leitrim team in yesterday's match at Ruislip.

The turning point of the match came midway through the second half with the scores standing at seven points each when a well-taken 40-metre free by half-back Padraig Flynn was misjudged by London goalkeeper, John Collins. Following this score the visitors assumed control with forwards Fintan O'Brien, Adrian Cullen and Aidan Rooney proving far too illusive for a defence that lost its way in the final stages.

While yesterday's result helps to keep Leitrim in touch with the leaders, it means that London remain pointless after three games. However, the losers showed far more promise than previously with fine performances coming from Barry McDonagh, Derek Morgan, Tony Murphy, Dave McGinley and Mick Galvin. Leitrim owed much of their success to midfielders Paul McDermott and Brendan Guckian, coupled with fine defensive play by James Phelan and Ciaran Murray.

LEITRIM: M Prior; R Greenan, J Phelan, D Kelleher; P Flynn (1-0), C Murray, G Foley; P McDermott (0-1), B Guckian (0-1); D McNulty, A Cullen (1-0), D Lynch; A Rooney (0-4), F McBrien (0-5), P Kenny (0-1). Subs: P Farrell (0-1) for D Lynch, P Gaffey for D McNulty, M Maguire for B Guckian, O McGuinness for Kelleher.

LONDON: J Collins; N Lynch, C McCarthy, F Downey; B McDonagh, D Morgan, C Scanlon; T Murphy, K Waldron (0-1); T McGivern (0-3), D McGinley (0-2), A Dillane (0-1); J Ryan (0-1), S Lynch (0-1), M Galvin (1-0). Subs: S Gaffney for C Scanlon, P Joyce for T McGivern, M O'Donoghue for J Ryan.

Referee: K Walsh (Clare).