Uche Ignites Dominant Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden continental adventure, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Missing star players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a comfortable result that all but secures them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further 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 Opportunity
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne side that had concluded their domestic season proved no match even for a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee injuries.
Control Established from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were hanging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, showing 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 make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.
