Uche Sparks Straightforward Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Despite entering their maiden continental adventure, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Without key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a commanding result that all but guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further victory in their upcoming match against Finnish KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal straight passage to the knockout stages, especially after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This match provided a platform for some of Palace's fringe players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their league season proved outmatched against a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
Control Established from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close soon after, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the official dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal man did not have wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were hanging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for two agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Game
The contest was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the traveling side.
