Uche Ignites Comfortable Crystal Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden continental adventure, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Without star players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually guarantees them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further victory in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to seal direct entry to the knockout stages, particularly after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This match provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were outmatched even for a largely rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
Dominance Asserted from the Outset
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official waved away the protests.
The formerArsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the traveling side.
