Uche Ignites Comfortable Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Despite entering their maiden continental adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a commanding win that virtually secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their upcoming fixture against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to secure direct entry to the last 16, particularly after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This occasion offered a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were no match against a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
Dominance Established from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's effort had hit the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a 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 comically weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also missed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
