Uche Ignites Straightforward Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever continental adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are learning at a rapid pace. Missing key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their next match against Finnish KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal direct entry to the last 16, especially following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a platform for some of Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season were outmatched against a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were already weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee injuries.
Dominance Established from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, driving a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to find his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's shot had hit the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a powerful 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 comically weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still room for development in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the traveling side.
