Christantus Uche Ignites Straightforward Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden European adventure, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Without key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further victory in their upcoming fixture against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to seal direct entry to the last 16, especially after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne side that had concluded their league season were outmatched even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Control Asserted from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official waved away the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to find his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's shot had hit the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Game
The contest was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
