Uche Fuels Straightforward Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their maiden European adventure, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing key figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable win that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal direct entry to the knockout stages, especially following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, finding the net for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season proved no match against a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The visitors were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee injuries.
Control Asserted from the Start
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal man did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also missed a glaring chance, showing there is still room for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.
