Uche Fuels Straightforward Crystal Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Despite entering their first-ever European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Missing key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding result that all but guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Another three points in their next match against Finnish KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal direct entry to the last 16, especially after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's fringe talent to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne team that had concluded their league season were no match even for a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee injuries.
Control Established from the Outset
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
The formerArsenal man did not have wait long to find his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were hanging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of 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 some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
