Christantus Uche Ignites Dominant Crystal Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS should be sufficient to seal straight passage to the knockout stages, particularly after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Opportunity
This match provided a chance for some of Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second game in succession.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season proved outmatched even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems.
Control 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 incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were hanging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring with his first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also missed a glaring chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
