A disappointed Northland women's contingent set about changing their fortune in a must win round four match against Central in the National Hockey League.
But yesterday's game was a two-all draw.
Northland played their hearts out with Alana Millington outstanding in the unfamiliar sweeper sport.
The first Northland goal was scored by EmmaCobbin and the scores were level one-all at half time.
In the second half, Central scored again but then Laura Douglas scored from a penalty corner with 15 minutes to go to once again level the score.
Northland's impressive round one win against Auckland last weekend was swiftly forgotten following losses to North Harbour last Sunday and Midlands in Saturday's third round.
Experienced Key defender Tanya Crene injured her hamstring last weekend and was ruled unfit to play at the weekend, which went against Northland in round three's match against last year's runners up Midlands.
"She is massive for us in defence, she co-ordinates it and bosses them around and without her, our defence is made up of very young players - you need an old head and she is the central cog back there," coach Alan Lints said.
The inexperienced defensive unit allowed Midlands to make swift work of Northland.
Leading 1-0 at half time following Cathryn Finlayson's 11th minute goal, Tambra McGarvey and Kiki Collot d'Escury both added to the score sheet in the second half.
"There are no deadbeat easy win matches in this year's competition - however, it is very close,"Lints said.
Northland Women play Southern today, in round five of the NHL at North Harbour Hockey Stadium, at 3.30pm.
