Uche Fuels Straightforward Crystal Palace Triumph at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Missing key figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually secures them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their upcoming match against Finnish KuPS should be enough to secure straight passage to the last 16, especially following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This occasion offered a platform for some of Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second consecutive succession.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were outmatched against a largely rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were further depleted by the news 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 move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, driving a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to find his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Pino Wraps Up the Game
The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
