The Central Coast's title defence has been left in tatters with a resurgent Wellington inflicting a 4-1 drubbing on the reigning champions in Gosford.
It was the fourth-straight defeat for the Mariners, their worst losing streak since December 2009, and they now find themselves just hanging onto fifth spot with only seven games remaining.
Wellington on the other hand rebounded from their shock 5-0 loss to Melbourne Heart last week to continue their late finals charge and regain a top-six spot.
Young gun Bernie Ibini put the hosts in front at Central Coast Stadium to give the Mariners a 1-nil halftime lead.
But it all fell apart in the second half as the Phoenix ran rampant, scoring four unanswered goals.
Kenny Cunningham netted an equaliser straight after the break with keeper Glenn Moss saving a penalty as dangermen Carlos Hernandez and Stein Huysegems scored two goals in two minutes and Jeremy Brockie put the final nail in the coffin.
Their 7th win in 10 games lifting the Phoenix back into the top six playoff places, one point ahead of Sydney FC.
