Uche Sparks Straightforward Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable win that all but guarantees them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further victory in their next fixture against Finland's KuPS should be sufficient to seal straight entry to the knockout stages, particularly after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Opportunity
This match provided a chance for several Palace's fringe players to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne team that had concluded their domestic season proved no match against a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee injuries.
Control Asserted from the Outset
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official waved away the protests.
The formerArsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's shot had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.
