Uche Ignites Straightforward Crystal Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden European adventure, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Without star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their next match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to secure straight entry to the knockout stages, especially after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Opportunity
This occasion provided a platform for several Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their league season proved no match even for a largely rotated Palace lineup. The Londoners were already weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg problems.
Control Asserted from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close soon after, driving a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's shot had hit the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper 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 almost scoring his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.