Champions and league leaders Queen’s University dropped points for just the second time this season as they drew 1-1 with Lisnagarvey on Friday evening.
After a tense first half, the deadlock was finally broken as Jenna McCarlie netted her 5th goal of the season midway through the third quarter.
On course for an eighth win of the season, the students were pegged back in the final quarter as Beth Ravey equalised for Lisnagarvey and sealed a late point for her side.
With the leaders having dropped points, the door was left open for second-placed Portadown to move level at the top of the table as they beat Armagh 4-0.
A goal in each quarter sealed the win with Katie Herron finding Emily Adamson who broke the deadlock in the first quarter before Evie Girvan became the first player in the division to hit 10 goals this season to double their advantage.
In the third quarter Adamson got her second of the afternoon as she was quickest to react to a rebound following a Portadown penalty corner before Serena Campuzano rounded off the scoring as she finished a good team move.
The win moves Portadown level on points with Queen’s at the top of the table, with the champions narrowly ahead by goal difference.
Elsewhere, Mossley secured their fourth win of the season as they won 2-1 away to Ballymoney.
It was the visitors who took an early lead after they were awarded a penalty stroke in the first quarter with Emma Downey converting from the spot.
However, the lead didn’t last for long Katherine Boyd equalised in the 17th from a penalty corner before Reah Little got the games decisive goal as she netted for the third time this season in the third quarter
At Havelock Park, Lurgan maintained pace with the top two as they won 2-0 away to Banbridge.
Two goals from Chloe McCann and Olivia Gibson sealed the win for Andy Brown’s side and sees them move to within just four points of top spot.
Opponents Banbridge remain at the bottom of the table having lost all nine of their games this season and are currently four points behind ninth-placed Ballymoney.
In the final game of the weekend, Belfast Harlequins were held to a 0-0 draw away to Omagh.
Despite plenty of chances for the visitors, the hosts held firm to hold the Belfast club to a second 0-0 draw of the season.
The result sees Omagh stay seventh in the table as they have already matched last season’s points tally, whereas Belfast Harlequins occupy fourth place in the division.
PHOTO: Front Row Union
