Uche Ignites Comfortable Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their first-ever European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are learning at a rapid pace. Without star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a commanding win that all but secures them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to secure direct entry to the knockout stages, especially following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Opportunity
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne team that had concluded their league season proved no match against a largely second-string Palace outfit. The visitors were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
Control Established from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee waved away the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's shot had hit the post.
The home side were hanging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive evening for the traveling side.
