Uche Fuels Comfortable Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Missing star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a commanding result that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their next fixture against Finland's KuPS should be sufficient to seal straight passage to the knockout stages, particularly after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Opportunity
This match provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
The Shelbourne team that had concluded their league season were outmatched even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
Dominance Established from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's shot had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a glaring chance, indicating there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the traveling side.
