Christantus Uche Ignites Straightforward Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Despite entering their first-ever continental adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting at a rapid pace. Without key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable win that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure straight entry to the last 16, especially following a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Opportunity
This match provided a platform for some of Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season proved outmatched even for a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were already weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee injuries.
Control Asserted from the Start
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have 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 escape a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Game
The match was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, only to see 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 blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect evening for the traveling side.
