Title aspirants Churchill Brothers scored a convincing 3-1 victory over East Bengal in an ONGC I-league match at Nehru stadium in Margao on Sunday.
Churchill, who led 1-0 at half time, scored through Odafe Okolie (3rd, 74th minutes) and Ogba Kalu (47th).
East Bengal reduced the margin in the stoppage time through Yusif Yakubu.
After today's win, Churchill remain on top of the table with 42 points from 20 matches, three points clear of their nearest rivals Sporting Clube de Goa.
Churchill were on the offensive mode from the start of the match with swift change of flanks and kept the rival defence under immense pressure.
Odafe Okolie tested the rival custodian with two long rangers which sailed over the bar by inches.
East Bengal citadel nearly fell in the 17th minute when a throw-in by Noaba Singh was relayed by Felix Chimaokwu to Khanthang Paite whose left footer hit the bar.
Churchill, who also had more of the ball possession, took the lead in the 33rd minute.
Felix set up Odafe Okolie who was seemingly off side. The rival defenders hesitated to tackle allowing Odafe to move up and got the better of onrushing goalkeeper before slamming the ball into the net.
Churchill continued to dictate terms after the change of ends and increased the lead in the 47th minute.
Felix sprinted down the right and, after beating defender Nirmal Chettri, sent a cross into the box for Ogba Kalu who tapped the ball into the net.
Odafe, who was unlucky to see his power-packed shot hit the post from top of the box, scored his brace in the 74th minute to earn the match of the match award and put the match beyond the reach of East Bengal.
He dribbled past a couple a rival defenders before finding the back of East Bengal net with a stiff grounder.
East Bengal keeper Abhra Mondal also made a couple of smart saves.
East Bengal, who could not do much in the upfront in the absence of Sunil Chettri, reduced the margin in the injury time through Yakubu.
Churchill now play their next match against Air India in Mumbai before taking on Mohammedan Sporting at home in their last match.
