Scoring proved difficult for Northland as Central's defence was tenacious throughout the third quarter, again holding the group leaders scoreless.
Northland were still down 2-0 with just seven minutes left on the clock, meaning a special effort was required to save the game.
Enter Jodie Nichol.
Nichol brought Northland within one with seven to go in regulation time and when Northland pressed again for another goal she nailed the equaliser.
The game then headed to a shootout with the momentum suddenly in Northland's favour.
Both sides lined up but failed to convert their first attempt, putting pressure on the second shooters to give their side the edge.
Tyler Lench stepped up for Northland and duly nailed the attempt to give Northland a fleeting lead before Pippa Norman quickly tied things up for Central.
Another pair of misses added to the tension as neither side could pull away initially.
However, the experience of Northland helped swing the result in their favour.
Black Stick Stacey Michelsen showed the calmness that international hockey teaches to put Northland up 2-1.
A third save from goalkeeper Hayley Maunder retained the advantage, meaning Northland needed just one more goal to take the victory and remain unbeaten.
Fellow Black Stick Ella Gunson made sure of the result, keeping Northland's perfect run alive.
They now look to take on the bottom-placed team from the other pool in playoff action.
