Uche Fuels Dominant Crystal Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Despite entering their first-ever European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a commanding result that virtually secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to secure straight passage to the last 16, especially after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This match offered a platform for some of Palace's fringe talent to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were outmatched against a largely second-string Palace outfit. The visitors were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
Dominance Established from the Outset
Despite heavy 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 set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, driving a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the official waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's shot had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also missed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise perfect evening for the traveling side.
