Uche Ignites Comfortable Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden continental adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Missing star players like forward 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 Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to seal straight entry to the last 16, especially following a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This occasion offered a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their league season were no match even for a mostly rotated Palace lineup. The Londoners were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Dominance Established from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man 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. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for two agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
