Uche Ignites Comfortable Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their maiden continental adventure, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Without star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually guarantees them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal straight entry to the last 16, especially after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This occasion offered a platform for some of Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since 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 consecutive succession.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season proved no match even for a largely rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg injuries.
Dominance Asserted from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on 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 racing into the box, but the official dismissed the appeals.
The formerArsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Game
The match was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still room for improvement in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect evening for the visiting side.
