Uche Fuels Comfortable Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their first-ever European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting at a rapid pace. Without key figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a comfortable win that all but guarantees them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to secure straight entry to the last 16, especially following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Opportunity
This match provided a chance for several Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, finding the net for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne side that had concluded their league season were outmatched even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were already depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg injuries.
Dominance Asserted from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
The formerArsenal man did not have wait long to get his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for two robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also missed a sitter of a chance, showing 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 forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
