Uche Ignites Comfortable Palace Triumph at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning at a rapid pace. Missing star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a commanding result that all but guarantees them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further victory in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to secure direct entry to the last 16, especially following a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This match offered a platform for several Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second start after joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second consecutive match.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were outmatched against a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were already depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee injuries.
Dominance Established from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official waved away the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's shot had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The match was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then missed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise perfect evening for the traveling side.
