Uche Fuels Comfortable Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever European adventure, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Missing star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a commanding win that virtually secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to seal straight entry to the knockout stages, particularly following a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Opportunity
This match offered a chance for several Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second consecutive match.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season proved outmatched against a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were already depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee injuries.
Dominance Asserted from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official waved away the protests.
The formerArsenal striker did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
