Uche Ignites Straightforward Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually guarantees them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal straight passage to the knockout stages, especially after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a platform for several Palace's lesser-used talent 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 second, finding the net for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their league season proved outmatched even for a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Control Asserted from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close soon after, driving a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee waved away the appeals.
The formerArsenal man did not have wait long to get his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
