Uche Fuels Comfortable Palace Triumph at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable result that all but guarantees them a place in the Conference League playoffs.
A further three points in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to secure straight passage to the knockout stages, especially after a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Opportunity
This occasion provided a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were no match even for a largely second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee injuries.
Control Established from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close soon after, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official dismissed the appeals.
The formerArsenal striker didn't need to 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. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for two agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved 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 rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for development in his game.
The only 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 earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
