Uche Sparks Comfortable Crystal Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their first-ever European campaign, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually guarantees them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their upcoming match against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure straight entry to the knockout stages, especially after a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season were outmatched even for a largely second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg problems.
Control Asserted from the Outset
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Game
The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot 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 worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
