Christantus Uche Sparks Comfortable Palace Triumph at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting at a rapid pace. Without star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a commanding win that all but secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further victory in their next match against Finnish KuPS should be enough to seal direct passage to the last 16, especially following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This match provided a platform for some of Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after 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 match.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their league season were no match even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Control Established from the Start
In spite of 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 simple finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, driving a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the official dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal striker did not have wait long to get his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then missed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
