Christantus Uche Sparks Straightforward Crystal Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning at a rapid pace. Without key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a commanding result that virtually secures them a place in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Another three points in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to secure direct passage to the knockout stages, especially after a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This match offered a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their league season were no match even for a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems.
Control Established from the Outset
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, tapping home from a yard out 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 challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his very 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 then missed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still room for development in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive evening for the traveling side.
