Hideki Ishige. Photo: photosport
Wellington Phoenix will go to Christmas ninth on the A-League standings and in a slump after a heavy 4-1 loss away to Western Sydney United.
Wellington's heaviest defeat of the season was also their third in a row, allowing mid-table rivals Western Sydney to leap-frog the struggling New Zealand side up to sixth in the standings.
It completed a forgettable double for the two Kiwi men's sides, although Auckland FC at least remain top of the table despite being dissected 4-0 at home by Western United.
It was the first time the Phoenix have conceded four goals under second-season coach Giancarlo Italiano, who took his side to last year's semi-finals.
"It's disappointing more than anything. We gifted them three of the four goals - well probably actually four," Italiano said.
"Errors or just us being a little hesitant around the box. Defensively it was very uncharacteristic of us.
"Second half I was very happy with the group, the way they bounced back. We had some big chances at 2-1 and if we'd made it 2-all, the whole complexion of the game would have changed.
"They kept doing what I asked but in the end, a little bit of inexperience just cost us."
With the game lost, Italiano took the chance to hand a late appearance to 16-year-old midfielder Luke Brooke-Smith, the former eight-time national age group BMX champion.
Wellington were on the back foot from the start, conceding inside the opening minute, when forward Brandon Borrello took advantage of a slip from Isaac Hughes to get in behind the Phoenix defence and laid off a pass for Zac Sapsford, who swept home from near the penalty spot.
Nine minutes later Borrello set up former Wellington midfielder Bozhidar Kraev, who calmly slotted past Josh Oluwayemi to double the lead.
Wellington bounced back after the interval with their lone goal, a spectacular Hideki Ishige overhead kick from close range.
Ishige controlled a mis-hit shot from Japanese compatriot Kazuki Nagasawa with his thigh and then, with his back to goal, expertly picked out the roof of the net with an overhead kick.
However, Western Sydney wrapped up victory through goals to Marcus Antonsson and Dylan Scicluna.
Italiano had been forced to make one change to the side who started last Saturday's 2-1 loss to Macarthur FC.
Corban Piper made his first A-League start in place of Marco Rojas, who rolled his ankle at training on Saturday.
Wellington Phoenix next host the struggling Newcastle Jets on on Saturday.
