Uche Ignites Straightforward Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their first-ever European campaign, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Without key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually guarantees them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to secure straight passage to the last 16, especially following a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a platform for several Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were no match against a largely second-string Palace lineup. The Londoners were already depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee injuries.
Dominance Established from the Outset
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's shot had hit the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before coolly dispatching 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 individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, indicating there is still scope for improvement in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the traveling side.
