Christantus Uche Sparks Straightforward Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their first-ever European adventure, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing star players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel MuƱoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding win that virtually secures them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to secure straight passage to the knockout stages, especially following a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Opportunity
This occasion provided a platform for several Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second game in succession.
A Shelbourne side that had concluded their domestic season were no match even for a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were already weakened by the reports that Mateta and MuƱoz are out with knee problems.
Dominance Established from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close soon after, driving a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man did not have wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side were hanging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles 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 weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the traveling side.
