Christantus Uche Ignites Straightforward Crystal Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable win that all but guarantees them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their upcoming match against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to seal direct entry to the knockout stages, especially after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This match offered a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were outmatched even for a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Dominance Asserted from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, driving a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official dismissed the appeals.
The formerArsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of robust 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 from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, but saw 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 scope for improvement in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
