Uche Fuels Comfortable Crystal Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Despite entering their first-ever continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding result that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Another three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to secure straight passage to the knockout stages, particularly following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Opportunity
This occasion offered a platform for some of Palace's fringe players to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season proved no match against a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The visitors were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg problems.
Control Established from the Outset
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official waved away the appeals.
The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
