The Wellington Phoenix have fallen at the first hurdle of the A League football finals, beaten 2-nil by Melbourne City in Wellington.
A place in the semi-finals was on the line and the Phoenix went into the match as favourites after finishing ahead of City in the regular season competition.
It's a disappointing end to a season that held plenty of promise for the Phoenix after they at one stage led the competition and were on course for a top two finish and automatic qualification for the semis.
But a form slump in the last six matches of the season, has seen them manage just one win.
The first half of the elimination final was an uninspiring affair with the score nil all at halftime.
Melbourne City broke the deadlock 15 minutes into the second half, to go one-nil up which finally seemed to spark the Phoenix into life.
But despite going close to scoring on several occasions the Phoenix were unable to covert several opportunities.
Phoenix striker Nathan Burns was tightly marked throughout the elimination final against Melbourne City. Photo: Photosport
Melbourne then went two nil up when Phoenix keeper Glen Moss looked to have saved a City shot, only for it to ricochet off the post into his back and then into the goal effectively sealing the game for the visitors.
Melbourne City will now play Melbourne Victory for a place in the A-League grand final.
In the other elimination final Adelaide United beat Brisbane Roar 2-1. Adelaide will now play Sydney FC in the other semi-final.
