Christantus Uche Ignites Straightforward Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their first-ever European campaign, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Missing star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually secures them a place in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Another three points in their upcoming fixture against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to secure straight entry to the last 16, especially after a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their league season proved no match against a mostly second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Dominance Established from the Outset
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close minutes later, driving a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee waved away the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also missed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late knock 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 traveling side.
