Surprise package Church Boys United Club (CBUC) continued their winning momentum in the Martyrs Memorial A-Division League as they defeated Himalayan Sherpa Club 1-0 in an enthralling match at the Dasharath Stadium on Friday.

Aashish Chaudhary scored midway into the first half to give early pacesetters CBUC their third win in as many games, meaning they lead the 14-team standings with nine points.

Jawalakhel Youth Club and Satdobato Youth Club—the only other teams to have stayed perfect so far—sit on CBUC’s tail with six points each.

League debutants CBUC showed their killing instinct from the start and nearly took the lead in the 5th minute when Ashish Chapagain stole possession from Sherpa goalkeeper Biwash Chaudhary inside the penalty area allowing Ashish Chapagain and Arik Bista to make double effort but Amrit Shrestha provided the much needed cover to prevent the early damage.

Ashish Chapagain was in the thick of things again a minute later as he met a cross from Manoj Rai but headed just wide.

CBUC’s opener arrived in the 21st minute thanks to a blistering run from Aashish Chaudhary who showed an extraordinary composure and control to finish off a beautiful delivery by Arik Bista.

“It is my second goal of the League. I am feeling very happy,” said player of the match Aashish Chaudhary after the game.

“Our team work is very good. I always learn from my seniors,” he added.

CBUC threatened the Sherpa box again three minutes later. Ashish Chapagain’s header attempt in a cross from Suvash Gurung found the feet of Milan Rai, who fired from close range forcing a save from goalie Bishwas.

CBUC goalie Guillaume Yves Priso then protected the lead, keeping out a brilliant free kick from Satyam Sharma with a finger-tip save.

CBUC should have doubled their lead towards the end of the first half but Ashish Chapagain wasted the opportunity as his lifted effort sailed too high from the six yard box, after he was set up by Gurung.

Aashish Chaudhary then threw away a chance to take his individual tally to three goals when he failed to capitalise on a one-versus-one with Sherpa goalie Priso.

Three Star pull off first win

Earlier, Ajayi Kayode Martins scored a brace as Three Star Club beat Khumaltar Youth Club 2-0 to chalk up their first win of the season.

League debutants Khumaltar had made a dream start to their season defeating Friends Club 1-0 in their opening game but Three Star gave them a harsh reality check at the ANFA Complex, with Martins finding the net twice after the break.

Khumaltar's honeymoon period had come to a crashing end after they lost their second match 3-1 to CBUC.

The Nigerian converted a pass from Laken Limbu to put Three Star ahead in the 54th minute. Martins then added his second of the season, firing from outside the box.

Three Star, who lost their opening match 2-0 against APF Club and drew 3-3 Friends, have four points from three matches. Khumaltar have three points.