Christantus Uche Fuels Straightforward Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their maiden European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are learning at a rapid pace. Without star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure straight entry to the knockout stages, especially following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This match provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their league season proved outmatched even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The Londoners were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Control Asserted from the Start
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close minutes later, driving a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's shot had struck the post.
The home side were hanging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
A solitary 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 make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
