Uche Fuels Dominant Palace Triumph at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Missing key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their upcoming fixture against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal straight entry to the knockout stages, especially following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This match provided a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne side that had concluded their league season proved no match even for a mostly second-string Palace lineup. The Londoners were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Dominance Established from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had hit the post.
The home side were hanging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for two robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
