Christantus Uche Sparks Straightforward Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden European campaign, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing key figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Another three points in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to secure direct passage to the last 16, particularly following a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This match offered a chance for several Palace's fringe players to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second game in succession.
A Shelbourne team that had concluded their league season were no match even for a mostly second-string Palace lineup. The Londoners were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg problems.
Control Asserted from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
The formerArsenal man did not have wait long to find his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post.
Shelbourne were hanging 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 powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Game
The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still room for improvement in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive evening for the traveling side.