Christantus Uche Fuels Straightforward Crystal Palace Triumph at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting at a rapid pace. Without key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually secures them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their next match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to seal straight entry to the last 16, particularly following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This match provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were outmatched even for a largely rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
Dominance Established from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee waved away the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for two robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Pino Wraps Up the Game
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
