Uche Fuels Straightforward Palace Triumph at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden continental adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Without key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a commanding result that virtually secures them a spot in the Conference League playoffs.
Another victory in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to seal straight entry to the knockout stages, especially following a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This match provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were no match even for a largely rotated Palace lineup. The Londoners were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee injuries.
Control Asserted from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, driving a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the official dismissed the protests.
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 fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Game
The match was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a glaring chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.
