Uche Fuels Comfortable Crystal Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding result that virtually guarantees them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their upcoming fixture against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to secure direct entry to the knockout stages, particularly after a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This occasion offered a chance for several Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start after joining on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne team that had concluded their domestic season were no match even for a mostly rotated Palace lineup. The Londoners were already depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg problems.
Control Asserted 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, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man did not have wait long to get his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side 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 header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The match was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive evening for the traveling side.
