Uche Fuels Straightforward Palace Triumph at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Despite entering their maiden European campaign, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Without star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually guarantees them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure straight entry to the knockout stages, particularly after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Opportunity
This match offered a platform for some of Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, finding the net for the second consecutive match.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were no match even for a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Dominance Established from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official waved away the protests.
The formerArsenal striker didn't need to wait long to find his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's shot had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then missed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.
