Christantus Uche Ignites Comfortable Crystal Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are learning at a rapid pace. Missing key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable win that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their upcoming fixture against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to seal direct entry to the last 16, particularly after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This match provided a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season were outmatched against a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg injuries.
Control Asserted from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for two robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect evening for the traveling side.
