Uche Fuels Straightforward Crystal Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without key figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next fixture against Finland's KuPS should be enough to seal direct entry to the last 16, especially after a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second consecutive match.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their league season proved outmatched against a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee injuries.
Control Established from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
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 referee waved away the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's shot had hit the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half 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 traveling side.
