Christantus Uche Ignites Comfortable Crystal Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden continental campaign, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing star players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually secures them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their upcoming fixture against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to secure direct passage to the knockout stages, particularly following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Opportunity
This match offered a chance for several Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a clinical goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season proved no match even for a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg problems.
Control Asserted from the Outset
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.