While the draw at Bob Roach Field was a vast improvement from the performance that saw them go down 5-1 to CYMS in June, the result hurt Souths’ hopes of earning a women’s Premier League Hockey final spot.

“That was frustrating. We just didn’t put them away, we got up there and we did the calls we spoke about and forced the corners,” North, who’s side remains in fifth spot, said.

“Now it’s going to be really hard for us … it’s just the lap of the Gods now I guess. If we’re good enough we’ll beat City and Panthers in the last two rounds and I think we are good enough.

With CYMS missing a number of players for the match, including the experienced Meredith Bone and Jade Georgiou, it took them time to settle into the contest.

Souths took advantage as not only did its midfielders pick off a number of intercepts, but were quick to transition through the centre into attack.

However, once inside the circle Souths did not have the joy it was hoping for.

CYMS defender Kayla Russell was once again strong on the tackle and while Souths drew four penalty corners, goalkeeper Kimberly Kiel blocked anything on target.

The second half saw a more settled CYMS step up their pressure, earning two penalty corners in as many minutes as it looked to break the stalemate.

But it was Souths who struck first in the 46th minute. Defender Mandy George made a strong run and blasted in a shot from the top of the area and though that was saved, Nikki Braun pounced on the loose ball.

While that gave Souths a 1-0 lead, it was one they had to work hard to keep.

CYMS earned three penalty corners in quick succession, Kate Brown making a sharp stick save off one, while another attempt struck the post and rebounded clear of the goal.

But 18 minutes from time CYMS was awarded a penalty stroke after a Souths player was ruled to have deliberately used the back of her stick for an attempted clearance.

Russell stepped up to the spot and made no mistake, her effort levelling things at 1-all.

As time ticked down both sides created chances, but were unable to find a winner.

Brown made a diving stick save to shut down a one-on-one and blocked a powerful Phoebe Litchfield shot when she burst into the circle with 27 seconds remaining.

From there Souths quickly countered but Russell came up with yet another brilliant tackle – this time on George – to see the rivals share the points.

“I’ve got to give it to the girls in defence, their reactions were really good, to see how they tackled and changed direction, I was really happy with that,” North said.

“I think out defence deserved to have a nil position today.”

CYMS coach Pete Shea praised the performance of his side’s goal scorer, but admitted they took time to settled into the contest.

“Kayla controlled the game, she was the person there who was in the middle of the field and controlling pretty much how things went, one way or the other,” he said.

“We needed her to step up and she did it beautifully.

“We've had a few changes in the team this week, so it took a little bit of time to work out where players were going.

“Probably halfway through that second half they started to click a little bit and as a result of that, create a little bit more consistent pressure.

“That resulted in the goal and a couple of other opportunities.”