Uche Sparks Comfortable Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their maiden continental adventure, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Missing star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding result that virtually guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their next fixture against Finland's KuPS should be enough to secure direct entry to the last 16, especially after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne team that had concluded their league season were no match against a largely rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Dominance Asserted from the Outset
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, driving a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal man did not have wait long to find his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's effort had hit the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for two agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating 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 allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect evening for the visiting side.
