Uche Fuels Straightforward Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their first-ever continental campaign, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Without star players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their next match against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure direct passage to the last 16, particularly following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a platform 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 finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a mostly rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Dominance Asserted from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man did not have wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for two agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope 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 striker Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
