Christantus Uche Fuels Straightforward Crystal Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever continental adventure, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Without key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a commanding win that virtually guarantees them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their next match against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure straight passage to the last 16, especially following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This match offered a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season were outmatched against a mostly rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Dominance Asserted from the Outset
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man did not have wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Game
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still room for improvement in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
