Uche Fuels Comfortable Palace Triumph at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden European campaign, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Without star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal straight entry to the knockout stages, especially following a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Opportunity
This occasion offered a platform for some of Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second start after joining on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne team that had concluded their league season were outmatched against a largely rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Dominance Asserted from the Start
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 set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's shot had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past keeper 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. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, showing there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.
