Christantus Uche Fuels Straightforward Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Despite entering their maiden European campaign, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Without star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually guarantees them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their upcoming fixture against Finland's KuPS should be enough to seal direct passage to the last 16, especially after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This occasion offered a chance for several Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, finding the net for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their league season were outmatched against a mostly rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee injuries.
Dominance Established from the Outset
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close soon after, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official waved away the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to get his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side were hanging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
Esse was incredibly 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 room for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise perfect evening for the visiting side.
