Uche Ignites Straightforward Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Despite entering their first-ever continental campaign, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Missing key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually guarantees them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to secure straight passage to the knockout stages, especially following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This occasion offered a chance for some of Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne side that had concluded their league season were outmatched even for a largely rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Control Asserted from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, driving a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side were hanging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The match was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper 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 with his first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
