Uche Fuels Dominant Crystal Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden continental campaign, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Without star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that all but guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS should be sufficient to seal direct entry to the knockout stages, especially after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a clinical goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their league season proved outmatched against a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were already depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
Dominance Asserted from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official waved away the protests.
The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The match was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise perfect evening for the visiting side.
