Christantus Uche Fuels Straightforward Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden continental adventure, Crystal Palace are adapting at a rapid pace. Without star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to seal straight entry to the last 16, particularly after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This match provided a platform for several Palace's fringe players to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second consecutive match.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their league season proved outmatched against a largely rotated Palace lineup. The Londoners were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg injuries.
Control Asserted from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close minutes later, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to find his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had hit the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Wraps Up the Game
The contest was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
