Christantus Uche Fuels Comfortable Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden European adventure, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a commanding result that all but secures them a place in the Conference League playoffs.
A further victory in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to secure direct passage to the knockout stages, especially after a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This match offered a chance for several Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, finding the net for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their league season proved no match against a largely second-string Palace lineup. The Londoners were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee injuries.
Control Asserted from the Outset
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then claimed 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 struck the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The contest was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, showing there is still room for improvement in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
