Super-sub strikes twicePreston Corporal came off the bench and scored two goals.
Frank Perin — The bad news? It wasn’t pretty. The good news? It still translated into three points.
A key substitution and some timely goalkeeping helped Hamilton Croatia defeat a rejuvenated Brampton Lions squad 3-1 at Brian Timmis Stadium last Friday.
Aidan O’Keefe put Hamilton on course with his seventh goal of the season at the five-minute mark. His corner kick hooked its way into the penalty area, and with a slight gust of wind, it sailed over everyone spinning towards the far side of the net and dipping just under the crossbar.
Ten minutes later O’Keefe failed to double the lead from the penalty spot when Croatia forward Jason Shannon was taken down in the penalty area. Lions’ goalkeeper Roy Blanche guessed correctly and made the stop.
Following the penalty save Brampton gained momentum and carried the play to the Croatian side of the field. Forward Judah Hernandez burried a rebound off the post to tie the game 1-1 at 26 minutes.
Croatia fired back with their own opportunities, but Blanche came up with a couple of big saves, including tipping a sure goal from the head of Shannon over the bar. The game would stay tied into half-time.
Substitute striker Preston Corporal came onto the field early into the second half and immediately made an impact by scoring the go-ahead goal in the 63rd minute.
Hamilton goalie Cam McKay was forced to match Blanche’s first half saves with a few of his own, first on a defensive breakdown, and another off a deflected shot from just outside the penalty area.
At 80 minutes Corporal put the game out of reach with his second goal to give his side the 3-1 win.
Hamilton Croatia are at 4-1-4 for 16 points following the victory, three points behind first place York Region with a game in hand. The team’s next three games are on the road beginning this Friday at Lamport Stadium against Portugal FC. Kickoff is at 8 p.m.
