Accrington put Leeds under early pressure but a series of Illan Meslier saves helped keep the hosts at bay and the Whites squandered the game's best early chance as record signing Georgino Rutter fired wide. Leeds, though, went ahead in the 23rd minute thanks to a terrific strike from Harrison who rifled the ball home from 25 yards out after Patrick Bamford's lay off.
The frame of the goal then denied the Whites a second goal as Sinisterra's shot on the turn from the edge of the box rattled back off the post. The lively Rutter, Marc Roca and Rasmus Kristensen then had chances to add to Harrison's strike but Accrington continued to pepper the Whites goal only to be continually thwarted by Meslier who did spill one cross which Junior Firpo cleared. Patrick Bamford also two claims for penalties waved away as the Whites entered the half-time break 1-0 up.
Accrington had a couple of chances to equalise immediately after the restart but Leeds doubled their advantage in the 66th minute after a fine swivel and pass from Bamford played in Firpo to convert. The Whites added a third just two minutes later as the excellent Harrison raced away down the left flank before sending in a pinpoint cross for Sinisterra to slam home. The Whites were threatening to run riot but Accrington pulled a goal back in the 81st minute through Leslie Adakoya as Leeds failed to clear their lines despite an initial Illan Meslier save.
YEP Leeds United writer Lee Sobot hands out the scores from the 3-1 victory at the Wham Stadium.
7. Sam Greenwood
6 - Kept on battling alongside Roca and also Harrison in the middle of the park but gave the ball away a few times and booked in the second half. That said, his pass to Bamford led to the opening goal for Harrison. Photo: PETER POWELL
8. Jack Harrison
8 - The star man and pushing a 9. Rifled home a brilliant strike for the Whites opener and was a continued threat bursting forward from a deeper central midfield role which seems to suit. Also put Sinisterra's goal on a plate after bursting clear down the left. An excellent display and he looked like the one who would unlock Accrington from the start. Photo: Gareth Copley
9. Luis Sinisterra
7 - Very unlucky to see a fine shot on the turn crash back off the post as part of a mixed bag display in the first half. Remained a threat after the break and applied a clinical finish from Harrison's cross. A welcome return to the side. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
10. Georginio Rutter
7 - A right old welcome to the English game faced with the hustle and bustle of Accrington's defence. Really should have opened his Leeds account given the chances he had but a very lively display and showed a few brilliant bursts of pace. Looks a player. Photo: PETER POWELL
11. Patrick Bamford
7 - A frustrating start up against Accrington's physical back line. Bamford then saw three claims for penalties waved away but showed his class with a gorgeous assist to set up Firpo having earlier provided the lay off for Harrison's strike. Squandered a couple of chances to score but a very decent display. A big boost having him back and starting to create something of a striker quandary. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
12. Rodrigo (sub)
7 - On as the first sub in the 69th minute for Sinisterra and quickly showed his class as the Whites threatened to run riot until the late Accrington rally. Photo: Gareth Copley