Christantus Uche Sparks Straightforward Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that all but guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to secure straight entry to the knockout stages, especially after a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a platform for several Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne team that had concluded their league season were no match against a mostly rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were already weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Control Established from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man did not have wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's effort had hit 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 powerful header from a corner.
Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The match was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also missed a glaring chance, indicating there is still scope for improvement in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect evening for the traveling side.
