Uche Sparks Comfortable Crystal Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their maiden European campaign, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Missing star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a commanding win that all but guarantees them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to secure straight passage to the last 16, especially following a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This match offered a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee injuries.
Dominance Established from the Outset
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official waved away the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Wraps Up the Game
The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still room for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
