Report by Daryn McCleave

Photos: Jonny Warrington

Joe Knowles scored a hat trick as Perth Glory's youthful NPL squad brushed aside Armadale 4-1 at Alfred Skeet Reserve.

After an even first half, which saw Faustino Machochi cancel out Knowles' opener, the Glory Youth team took control after the break.

Knowles’ scored a second before Glory weathered a storm and sealed the points in the last 10 minutes through the striker’s third and Stefan Valentini.

Knowles was naturally delighted to record his first senior treble in their season opener.

"I struggled in the National Youth League to get three goals. I got a couple on a few occasions, but it's good to get three,” he said.

“It (PS4 NPLWA) is a different style of football. It’s more physical, but you have to adapt to it."

Knowles had to wait nervously to claim the match ball however, when referee David Bruce awarded a penalty, as the number nine scored from open play.

"He (Bruce) said it was a bad decision not to let the play go on, but I still scored so it didn't matter,” he said.

“I don't think I've ever missed a penalty so I had plenty of confidence."

Armadale had Interim Coach Peter Lord at the helm after Lee Bamber's surprise resignation after round one.

They got off to a slow start as Knowles capitalised on slack defending to race clear and slot low past goalkeeper Luke Radonich in the 17th minute.

But Army responded well and equalised 15 minutes later when Machochi flashed across goal into the far corner of Jordan Franken's net after a superb move.

However, Knowles scored eight minutes after the interval to regain the lead for Glory, riding a couple of challenges before finding the bottom corner.

And they ensured a comfortable finish, when Valentini hit a sublime lob from 35m, before Knowles sent Radonich the wrong way from the spot late on.

Armadale Assistant Coach Kevin Brophy tried to remain upbeat, despite his side now conceding eight goals in the first two games.

"I thought the score line flattered them today. They had that little bit of extra quality and punished us as we tried to get back into the game,” he said.

“To me it (the second goal) looked offside. When we get the footage we'll have a look at it, but it was a real game changer."

Armadale 1 (Machochi 32')
Perth Glory 4 (Knowles 17' 53' 89' pen, Valentini 81')
Saturday 4 April, 2015
Alfred Skeet Reserve
Referee: David BRUCE

ARMADALE: 1. Luke RADONICH, 2. Beau Abdul RAHIM (6. Thomas COVELL 85'), 3. Sam COLE (9. Raveshlan KUPPUSAMY 72'), 4. Jake SARDELIC, 15. Darren FRANCIS, 18. Dylan EASTOUGH (12. Kade McNAMARA 46'), 7. Faustin MACHOCHI, 8. Caleb DIXON, 10. Nick CRERAND, 11. Jackson BEALEY, 19. Reece DAVIS.
UNUSED SUBSTITUTES: 5. Jamal YUSOF, 20. (GK) Dylan WILSON
YELLOW CARDS: Davis 25' Bealey 76' Francis 87' Machochi 87'

PERTH GLORY: 1. Jordan FRANKEN, 2. Gian ALBANO, 3. Jacob COLLARD, 4. Nathan COSTELLO, 5. Tom KING, 6. Calvin WHITNEY, 7. Stefan VALENTINI (14. Henry DURR 82'), 8. Dejan SPASESKI, 9. Joe KNOWLES, 10. Slobodan VULIN, 11. Jesse LAZZARO (12. Nic KALIMDZIOSKI 28', (13. Walledin ISMAIL 78'))
UNUSED SUBSTITUTES: 15. Scott ROBERTSON, 16. Jordan YOUNG
YELLOW CARDS: King 54'