Uche Sparks Comfortable Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden continental campaign, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding result that virtually secures them a place in the Conference League playoffs.
A further three points in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure direct entry to the last 16, especially following a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Opportunity
This match provided a platform for some of Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second consecutive match.
The Shelbourne side that had concluded their domestic season were no match even for a largely second-string Palace outfit. The visitors were already depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg problems.
Control Established from the Outset
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed 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, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had hit the post.
The home side were hanging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The contest was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
