Uche Fuels Straightforward Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden continental adventure, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Without star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a commanding win that all but guarantees them a spot in the Conference League playoffs.
A further three points in their next match against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to secure direct passage to the knockout stages, especially after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Opportunity
This occasion offered a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their league season were no match against a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Dominance Asserted from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official waved away the protests.
The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for improvement in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the traveling side.
