Uche Ignites Straightforward Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever continental campaign, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Without key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable result that all but guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Another victory in their next match against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to seal straight entry to the knockout stages, especially after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, finding the net for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their league season proved no match even for a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were already depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems.
Control Asserted from the Outset
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man did not have wait long to get his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Game
The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
