Phoenix were only down a goal at the break - largely due to the poor finishing of Western Sydney Wanderers - before conceding another three is a dismal performance at ANZ Stadium.

Oriol Riera put the home side ahead on six minutes before Michael Thwaite - with just his fourth A-League goal - Christopher Ikonomidis and Jaushua Sotirio added their names to the score sheet.

The result leaves the Kiwi outfit at the bottom of the table and 11 points adrift of the top six.

Durante conceded Phoenix bungled their last chance at finals football and all they had to play for now was pride.

"I thought this was maybe our last chance to stay in contention for the playoffs," the Nx captain told Fox Sports.

"(I) spoke before the game about how important this game was to keep our season alive.

"We showed no fight. We showed not enough ticker. You can lose games, I can accept losing games  but when you’re second to every ball, when you’re just out of the game, when you can’t keep the ball…I’m so disappointed."

Last week the team were slugged another four goals without reply by Sydney FC. Phoenix remain within touching distance of Central Coast Mariners and Perth Glory but will have to shrug off a three-game losing streak if they want to avoid the wooden spoon.

"It’s up to every individual now to have a good look at themselves," Durante said. "The majority of the team’s off contract so they’re all playing for their futures.

"It’s not going to get any easier. We’ve got a couple of home games coming up which we need to win just for the sake of some pride."

Photo by Eric Berry