Christantus Uche Fuels Comfortable Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden continental adventure, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their upcoming fixture against Finnish KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal direct entry to the knockout stages, especially after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne team that had concluded their league season were no match against a largely rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were already depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee injuries.
Control Established from the Start
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were hanging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
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 extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
