Christantus Uche Sparks Comfortable Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever continental adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are learning at a rapid pace. Missing key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding win that virtually secures them a spot in the Conference League playoffs.
Another victory in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to secure direct passage to the last 16, particularly after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a platform for some of Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a largely second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Dominance Established from the Outset
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went 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 get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for two agricultural challenges 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 meandered past some weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
