Uche Fuels Straightforward Crystal Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their first-ever European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Missing key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding result that all but secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Another victory in their next match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to secure direct entry to the knockout stages, particularly after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This match offered a chance for several Palace's fringe talent to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second consecutive succession.
The Shelbourne team that had concluded their league season proved no match even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The Londoners were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg injuries.
Dominance Asserted from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for two agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up 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 keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a late knock 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 traveling side.
