Inspired by a hat-trick from Jamie Harnwell, Perth Glory has inched closer to a top-four finish with a 4-1 win over the New Zealand Knights at Members Equity Stadium.

The Perth Glory captain played the game of his life and rewarded coach Ron Smith's faith in playing him as a striker.

He scored two first-half goals and a third at the 60-minute mark, before being substituted.

Playing in conditions of around 30 degrees, the sides took a drinks break at the midway point of each half, but were still able to put on a thrilling first half.

New Zealand scored the opening goal, followed by two from Perth captain Harnwell and in between it all New Zealand's Jonas Salley was sent off before half-time.

The Knights are the only A-League team out of finals contention this season, but they didn't start like cellar dwellers.

Undertaking the biggest trip in the competition, 5300km to Perth, they scored the opening goal in the third minute, just their fifth of the season.

Jonti Richter passed to Noah Hickey down the right flank who scorched a shot past Glory goalkeeper Tommi Tomich.

With their finals prospects on the line, Perth responded through Harnwell just seven minutes later. Stan Lazaridis set him up and he got behind two New Zealand defenders to score.

New Zealand were down to 10 men when Salley was sent off after 32 minutes. He received his second yellow card when he pulled down Leo Bertos, who was streaming forward with the ball.

Knights goalkeeper Mark Paston saved an on-target shot from Naum Sekulovski just before the half. But, when it spilled out Harnwell was there to score his second.

It was a quiet start to the second half until Harnwell came into play again. Bertos went on a great run on the right flank then found his captain unchecked at the left post and he drove home his third goal and fourth in two games.

Bobby Despotovski was denied by the right post at the 75-minute mark from a free kick, but he didn't have to wait long for another chance.

Jamie Coyne him up at the 82-minute mark with a perfect cross and the Glory striker obliged by heading it home for Perth's fourth goal against the hapless Knights.

New Zealand's best second-half chance was a great strike from Richter, but it sailed just over the bar.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP