Christantus Uche Ignites Straightforward Crystal Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden continental adventure, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Without key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their upcoming match against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure straight entry to the last 16, particularly following a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This occasion offered a platform for several Palace's fringe talent to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne team that had concluded their domestic season proved no match even for a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Dominance Established from the Start
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence 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 came close minutes later, driving 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 get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
The home side were hanging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the traveling side.