Mooy battles Luongo as Huddersfield stay top

Australia midfielder Aaron Mooy’s Huddersfield Town remains on top of the Championship table after defeating fellow Socceroos star Massimo Luongo’s Queens Park Rangers 2-1 on Sunday morning (AEST).

Aaron Mooy won the battle of the Socceroos in Hudderfield Town's clash with Queens Park Rangers Source: Getty Images

Huddersfield took the lead early on in the first-half after Kasey Palmer rose highest to head home Rajiv van La Parra’s cross.

The Championship league leaders controlled the encounter and soon had chances to extend their lead after Palmer's opener.

And despite some infrequent moments of pressure from QPR, Elias Kachunga’s looping header after the hour mark managed to ease the nerves as the hosts doubled their lead.

While QPR hit back via Idrissa Sylla’s headed effort, it proved mere consolation as Huddersfield held on for the win.

After scoring his first goal for the club last week against Leeds United, Mooy produced another solid performance for the Terriers in midfield - drawing special praise from coach David Wagner.

The 26-year-old has been outstanding so far this season, and he will be eager to build on such an impressive start to the campaign which saw him nominated for August’s Championship Player of the Month.

Fellow Socceroos midfielder Luongo was a pivotal figure in the QPR midfield and rewarded manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink with a full 90 minute showing.

@jf9hasselbaink admits the R's were second best against @htafcdotcom this afternoon. #HUDQPR pic.twitter.com/dM7fhpjtMT — QPR FC (@QPRFC) September 17, 2016

Luongo was restored to the line-up after he was rested for his side’s 6-0 loss to Newcastle United during the week.

While the defeat condemns the struggling West London outfit to 16th place on the league table, Huddersfield have re-established their two-point lead at the top of the Championship, over second-placed Norwich City.