Leeds hold on to open Queensland Champions Cup with victory over gutsy Roar

Two goals in the first 25 minutes was enough of a buffer for Leeds in the opening match of the Queensland Champions Cup.

Leeds’ Darko Gyabi (left) battles with Brisbane Roar’s Abraham Majok. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Early dominance from Leeds United proved enough for the English Premier League side against Brisbane Roar in their Queensland Champions Cup clash at Cbus Super Stadium on Thursday night.

Leeds led 2-0 after 25 minutes courtesy of goals from Welsh international Daniel James and striker Joe Gelhardt.

But just when it seemed the tourists were set for a field day, the gutsy Roar – who were playing their first match of the pre-season and without star signing Charlie Austin – fought back and by half-time had cut Leeds’ advantage in half through a goal from trialist, Joe Knowles.

The Roar continued to impress in the second half and blew a great chance to equalise in the dying stages when substitute Jez Lofthouse failed to hit the target from point blank range\.

It was to be Brisbane’s final chance as Leeds held on for the win ahead of their QCC clash against Premier League rivals Aston Villa at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

“In some of those moments we were just a little bit too open and allowed too many counters, which gave them a few too many chances,” Leeds coach Jesse Marsch said.

“We’ll keep moving on it and I feel like we’re moving forward with this group.”

Daniel James scored a goal and set up an other for Leeds. Picture: Patrick HAMILTON / AFP

While Leeds faded after half-time, they made an impressive start and had the ball in the back of the net less than 25 seconds into the contest.

However, American midfielder Brenden Aaronson was correctly ruled in an offside position when he shot past Roar goalkeeper Macklin Freke.

Leeds grabbed a deserved lead in the 23rd minute through former Manchester United winger James.

Afforded far too much space on the edge of the Roar penalty area, James let fly with a powerful strike that beat Freke at his near post.

It took only two more minutes for Leeds to double their lead, with James this time the provider with a floating cross that was met powerfully by Gelhardt, who rose high over Roar defender Jack Hingert to head the ball past Freke.

Perhaps with an eye on Sunday’s match against Villa, Marsch replaced James with recent Colombian signing Luis Sinisterra after just 32 minutes.

“All those guys that played 30 we were just managing them physically or they came into camp a little bit late,” Marsch said.

Joe Knowles (centre) is congratulated by Roar teammates after scoring against Leeds. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Despite being second-best for most of the first-half, the Roar pulled a goal back in the 40th minute.

It came from ex-Perth Glory striker Knowles, who was quick to react to a shot from teammate Rahmat Akbari that deflected off Leeds defender Pascal Struijk.

The ball fell at the feet of Knowles, whose shot was too good for Leeds goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson.

The Roar had a chance to equalise in the 63rd minute through the influential Jay O’Shea, but the Irish midfielder’s strike was well saved by Klaesson.

Lofthouse then had his late chance to level scores but couldn’t control his close-range effort after a period of sustained Roar attack.

Roar coach Warren Moon was proud of his team’s effort.

“Our boys stuck at it well, stayed composed and worked our way into the game really well, and by the end of we could have pinched something,” Moon said.

“It’s a good first-up test for us. There’s a long pre-season to go and everyone’s injury free, so al in all, we’re a happy group.”

Originally published as Leeds hold on to open Queensland Champions Cup with victory over gutsy Roar