Christantus Uche Ignites Comfortable Crystal Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their first-ever European campaign, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Without star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually secures them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS should be enough to secure direct entry to the last 16, especially after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This match offered a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne team that had concluded their league season proved outmatched even for a largely rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were already depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg injuries.
Control Established from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, driving a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the referee waved away the protests.
The formerArsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were hanging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for development in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
