Uche Sparks Straightforward Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden continental campaign, Crystal Palace are adapting at a rapid pace. Without star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a commanding win that virtually guarantees them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next fixture against Finland's KuPS should be sufficient to secure direct passage to the knockout stages, especially following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Opportunity
This occasion offered a platform for some of Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season were outmatched even for a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were already depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee injuries.
Control Asserted from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still room 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 perfect evening for the visiting side.
