Christantus Uche Sparks Straightforward Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their first-ever European campaign, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding win that virtually guarantees them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to secure straight passage to the last 16, especially after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Opportunity
This occasion offered a platform for some of Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne team that had concluded their league season proved outmatched even for a largely rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg injuries.
Control Asserted from the Outset
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
