Uche Sparks Comfortable Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Without key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable win that all but guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to secure direct passage to the last 16, particularly following a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Opportunity
This match provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second game in succession.
A Shelbourne side that had concluded their domestic season were outmatched even for a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee injuries.
Dominance Asserted from the Start
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the referee waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's shot had struck the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Wraps Up the Game
The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise perfect evening for the visiting side.
