Christantus Uche Ignites Straightforward Crystal Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden continental adventure, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Without star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their next match against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to seal direct entry to the knockout stages, especially after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne team that had concluded their domestic season were no match even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems.
Control Asserted from the Outset
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's shot had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for two robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each 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 concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the traveling side.
