Christantus Uche Fuels Dominant Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Without star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding result that virtually secures them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their next match against Finnish KuPS should be enough to secure straight entry to the knockout stages, especially after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a platform for several Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second consecutive succession.
The Shelbourne team that had concluded their league season were outmatched even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems.
Dominance Asserted from the Outset
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were hanging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
