Abbie Larkin starred for Shelbourne with a goal and an assist on her full debut but Peamount United need just one win from their two games to secure a third straight title.
16-year-old Larkin shone for the Reds as they ran out 2-0 winners over Galway in the second live broadcast of TG4's new deal to show the Women's National League.
The striker was rewarded for her form in Ireland under-17s' recent Euro qualifiers with her first start and she continued that promising form with a goal within six minutes.
Larkin made a delayed run from the right wing to ghost into the six-yard box and flick home an inch-perfect low cross from full-back Leah Doyle.
And she turned provider with 15 minutes to go as, after Galway had twice forced ex-Tribeswoman Amanda Budden into top-class saves, Jessie Stapleton sealed the win.
Shels midfielder Rachel Graham told Mirror Sport: "That's what we said to ourselves. We know it's a big hill to climb.
"But if Peamount slip up we want to be there and do as much as we can to put the pressure on. Tough game tonight but we done enough to see it out and get the three points."
The pitch was less than ideal for a TV broadcast, having been heavily cut up during the men’s team’s celebrations the previous night as they lifted the First Division trophy.
“The men played on it and had the celebrations on it last night, so the pitch was not in great condition.
“But I think we played well at times and not so well at times. Galway are a tough team and they didn't make it easy for us.”
Doyle was again involved as she fed Larkin infield and her pass found Stapleton in the box to rifle home a shot that Leah Hayes Coen could only get a fingertip to.
It's very much advantage Peamount, however, as the champions ran out 8-1 winners at home to Cork City.
Tiegan Ruddy scored twice, while Steph Roche, Aine O'Gorman, Dora Gorman, Sadhbh Doyle and Becky Watkins were also on target as the Peas inched closer to history.
Wexford Youths were also big winners at home to Bohemians as captain Kylie Murphy and Ellen Molloy both netted hat-tricks, while Aoibheann Clancy also scored in a 7-0 win.
And Athlone Town ran out surprise 1-0 winners at home to DLR Waves thanks to Roisin Molloy's strike ten minutes before half time.
