Peamount United go into the International break top of the pile but will have seen their lead at the summit dramatically cut as sensational Shelbourne come from behind to grab a vital win, in what promises to be an enthralling 2023 title race.
Megan Smyth-Lynch returned to haunt her old side with a brace, before Maggie Pierce and Alex Kavanagh netted completed an incredible second half turn around.
The hosts, fresh from a hard fought 2-0 win at Dalymount Park on Saturday afternoon, were relieved to see the inclusion of young star Tara O'Hanlon, who was forced off with an injury having won a penalty for the opener against Bohemians.
And it was the home side who made a dream start, getting right in the faces of the visitors from the first whistle.
The intense start paid dividends after just four minutes when when the hosts pressed high, won the ball sharply, before Erin McLaughlin - with a yard of space - let fly from 20 yards with a screamer past Courtney Maguire who did well to even get a touch on it.
But Shels, still reeling from the shock defeat at home to Galway United, responded as Champions tend to do.
The visitors had been gifted an injury boost of their own, seeing inspirational skipper Pearl Slattery passed fit to lead the side out despite leaving Tolka Park in an ambulance a few days earlier. And really should have gotten themselves back on level terms shortly after the opener.
Leah Doyle's deep free kick from the left side found the unmarked Maggie Pierce in the area, but failed to get any contact on the header with the goal seemingly at her mercy.
Alex Kavanagh, operating slightly higher in the number 10 position early on, began to get a hold of the game as Shels pressed for an equaliser. The classy midfielder produced a moment of magic, flicking the ball through her legs and around the corner before receiving the ball back to feet but was unlucky to see her powerful effort fizz past the post.
Peas boss James O'Callaghan ,who had earlier received his acceptance onto the 2023/24 FAI Uefa Pro Licence course, made just the one change with Niamh Reid Burke coming back in goal and had his side well drilled protecting his side's valuable lead as the half drew to a close.
With the teams playing each other just twice this season, and the potential of trailing the league leaders by eight points, Noel King's side had to find a performance from somehwehre. And just nine minutes into the second half thought they were level only to see Kerri Letmon's side foot volley rebound off the crossbar and over.
The Reds didn't have to wait long to celebrate for real, when Megan Smyth-Lynch pounced on a defensive error and finished coolly just before the hour mark, showing a moment of class by not celebrating against her former team.
The turn around was complete with a quarter of an hour remaining when Keeva Keenan dug out an incredible cross from the right corner, finding Smyth-Lynch who finished brillaintly with a diving header at the back post.
Immediately after seeing her side go 2-1 up, the excellent Noelle Murray then tee'd up Maggie Pierce from the edge of the area, who buried her strike into the far top corner giving Niamh Reid Burke no chance in the Peas goal.
Shels were in rampant mood and put the tie to bed with ten minutes remaining when Alax Kavanagh rifled home a 30-yard free-kick to seal a massive three points going into the International break.
Peamount United: Niamh Reid Burke, Lauryn O'Callaghan, Chloe Moloney, Rebecca Watkins, Jetta Berrill, Sadhbh Doyle, Carla McManus (Avril Brierley, 76') , Erin McLaughlin, Tara O'Hanlon, Karen Duggan, Kate Mooney (Dora Gorman, 85')
Subs not used: Niamh Coombes, Lucy McCarton, Louise Masterson, Orlagh Fitzpatrick, Rachel McGrath, Shannon Thomas, Sarah Duke Power
Shelbourne FC: Courtney Maguire, Keeva Keenan, Jessie Stapleton, Pearl Slattery, Leah Doyle, Alex Kavanagh (Nadine Clare, 85'), Rachel Graham, Noelle Murray (Jemma Quinn, 78'), Megan Smyth-Lynch, Kerri Letmon (Leah Riley, 85'), Maggie Pierce (Jenaya Robertson, 85')
Subs not used: Siobhan Killeen, Sophie Watters, Christie Gray, Kayla Hamric, Ruvimbo Mucherera
Referee: David Berry
