London City had a three-goal lead for the second time in as many games against the Hamilton Thunder. Only this time, City didn't give up a goal, defeating the previously unbeaten Western Conference leaders 3-0 last night at Cove Road field in Canadian Professional Soccer League play.

Two weeks ago, London was up 3-0 in the 69th minute and lost 4-3 to Hamilton, which plans to move up the the North American A-League next year.

"We always believed we had the ability to beat them," said City midfielder Tonino Commisso, who scored London's second goal.

Commisso struck a great ball from 28 yards out that flew into the lower left corner in the 56th minute.

"As soon as it left my foot, I knew I had it," he said.

Hamilton had new bench boss Ivan Markovic on hand last night. Markovic replaced Duncan Wilde, who resigned last weekend in a dispute over the direction the team was going.

Markovic has picked up four Croatian players, but they didn't have all of the paperwork needed to play last night.

City's Andrew Loague looped one over the head of the Hamilton goalkeeper in first-half injury time to score London's first goal.

It was the second goal of the season for Loague, who also plays for London Portuguese of the Western Ontario Soccer League.

Ashley McMillan scored his third of the season in the 86th minute when he knocked in a rebound from a free kick taken by Eris Tafaj.

Both sides lost a player for the game and possibly for the season for City as captain and sweeper Jeff Brown hurt his knee.

Brown screamed in pain as he collided with an opponent near midfield in first-half injury time. He had to be carried off and was taken to hospital by a family member.

Eight minutes was added to the half after Hamilton's David Moya was cut in the forehead during a midair collision with Martin Painter, who was playing in his first game for City.

Painter, a WOSL player with AEK Olympic, was moved back to Brown's position for the second half.

Moya had about a four-inch gash to his head and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

He was able to walk off the field, but appeared dazed and in pain.

John Dreliozis, another AEK Olympic player making his CPSL debut, played goal for City. He made several key saves, including one on a bicycle kick by Moya early in the first half that set the tone for play throughout the game.

"We did exactly what we were supposed to do," City coach and general manager Harry Gauss said. "All we needed was character."

GAME GLANCE

City 3, Thunder 0

London goals: Andrew Loague, Tonino Commisso, Ashley McMillan

Next: City continues Canada Cup play on Friday at Cove Road field against the St. Catharines Wolves at 8:30 p.m.