Christantus Uche Ignites Straightforward Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden continental adventure, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Without star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually guarantees them a place in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
A further three points in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to seal direct passage to the last 16, particularly after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Opportunity
This match provided a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne side that had concluded their domestic season proved no match even for a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The visitors were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems.
Control Established from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official waved away the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Game
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring with his first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
