The Dogs emerged victorious from a shootout with North Harbour on Monday but this time had to settle for a lone com-petition point after Midlands knocked in two goals to their one.
Southern coach Dave Ross was eagerly awaiting the result of the late game between Canterbury and North Harbour last night to see what impact it would have on his side's semifinal prospects.
But regardless of the outcome, a win for the Dogs against Northland today will see last year's beaten finalists secure a berth in the top four.
''It would have been nice to get up and win,'' Ross said.
''That would have put the semi beyond doubt. We still have to win against Northland [today] but we'll back ourselves to do that.''
Despite the loss, Southern played some good hockey, Ross said.
''We were 2-0 down so to come back and draw 2-2 was a pretty gutsy effort. It was a good second half from us, so I was really pleased.''
''We had them under the pump and had started breaching quite easily through the midfield.''
Midlands, though, dominated the first half, and particularly the first quarter when they scored two goals.
''In that first quarter we were a little bit passive, probably. And they are a good side ... and have some really good players.''
Midlands have good structures up front and their defence was proving hard to break down. Richard Petherick opened the scoring from a penalty corner and Zac Woods added a second in the last minute of the first period.
Callum Bailey pinned a goal back for the Dogs midway through the third period from a deflection.
The Dogs will be without experienced defender and former Black Stick James Nation for the next two matches. His uncle has died and the funeral is on Saturday. He will not be available for the semifinal but he may return for the final on Sunday should the Dogs make it.
In other games yesterday, Auckland beat Capital 3-0, Central thrashed Northland 8-3 and Canterbury beat North Harbour 5-2.
In the women's tournament, Northland beat Canterbury 3-1 in a shootout after the score was locked a 1-1, Auckland beat Central 3-1 and Capital thrashed North Harbour 6-1.
The Southern Storm lost to Midlands 0-3.
