Uche Sparks Straightforward Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden continental campaign, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Without key figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel MuĂąoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually secures them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further victory in their next match against Finnish KuPS should be enough to secure straight passage to the knockout stages, especially following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a platform for several Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, finding the net for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne side that had concluded their league season were outmatched against a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were further weakened by the news that Mateta and MuĂąoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Control Asserted from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official waved away the appeals.
The formerArsenal striker did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off both 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 limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
