Wellington Phoenix have closed out their maiden A-League Women campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Perth Glory at Wollongong on Friday.
After leading 1-0 at halftime courtesy of an unfortunate Wellington own goal, the Glory then struck twice in the space of three minutes early in the second half to essentially kill off the contest.
In-form forward Grace Jale slotted a penalty to earn the Phoenix a late consolation goal.
Coming off the back of Tuesday's win over Western Sydney Wanderers, the Phoenix struggled with the quick turnaround and couldn't cash in on their opportunity to guarantee they'd avoid a last-place finish on the ladder.
"We knew the two-day turnaround was going to be hard, and to get an own goal in the first half wasn't really something that set us on the greatest path," said Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis.
"As soon as it went 2-0the girls went quite flat. I think it's hard when you have a two-day turnaround to find that second gear when you're 2-0 down, to drive and get three goals.
"I was hoping they could do it with the adrenaline and the emotional charge of it being the last game, but they've given so much for us throughout the season that it didn't really surprise me that they didn't have much left in the tank at that point."
The Phoenix now await the result of Sunday's match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne City to see where they finish on the ladder.
Wellington currently sit bottom of the table, but will swap places with the Wanderers if City win by six or more goals.
