Uche Sparks Comfortable Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever continental adventure, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Without key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding win that virtually guarantees them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further victory in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS should be sufficient to seal straight entry to the last 16, particularly following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This match provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were outmatched against a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were already depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg injuries.
Dominance Established from the Start
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
The formerArsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's shot had hit the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a 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 comically weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.
