`Better late than never' would appear to be the newly adopted club motto of Old Alexandra who, for the third week running, scored a crucial last-gasp goal, this time in their Leinster League game against Loreto at Milltown on Saturday. Their coach David Judge must feel as if he has aged 20 years in the past month - mind you, Trish Conway's 68th minute equaliser can't have done much for Loreto coach Tom O'Donoghue's health either.

It was cruel luck for Loreto who had taken a deserved lead against the top-placed side after just six minutes through Sarah Scott. Zanya Dahl equalised shortly after the break and only fine goalkeeping by Avril Copeland prevented Alexandra from going in front. But, just five minutes from time, they went behind again when Caitriona O'Kelly converted a penalty stroke and Loreto looked set to repeat their opening day victory. Intense pressure by the home side was, however, rewarded two minutes from the end when Conway fired the ball home from the fourth short corner Alexandra had won in quick succession, an equaliser that earned her side two points, enough to keep them on top of the table.

Hermes are now just a point behind Alexandra after a hardfought 3-2 win over Pembroke Wanderers, with Fiona Manning scoring two of their goals. Muckross beat Trinity 2-0 to keep in touch with the leaders and just four points now separates the top four teams. In Ulster Pegasus maintained their romp towards the title by trouncing Victorians 11-0, with Claire McMahon helping herself to five of the goals. In Munster a Fiona Connery goal gave UCC victory over the University of Limerick, helping them keep up the pressure on Harlequins.