Uche Ignites Comfortable Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their first-ever continental adventure, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Without star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable result that all but guarantees them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further victory in their next fixture against Finland's KuPS should be enough to seal direct entry to the last 16, particularly following a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This occasion provided a platform for some of Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second consecutive match.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a largely rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Dominance Asserted from the Outset
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, driving a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's effort had hit the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Pino Wraps Up the Game
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the traveling side.
