Uche Sparks Straightforward Palace Triumph at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden continental campaign, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Without star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually secures them a spot in the Conference League playoffs.
Another three points in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure straight entry to the knockout stages, especially after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Opportunity
This occasion offered a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne team that had concluded their league season proved no match even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
Control Established from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still room for improvement in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect evening for the visiting side.
