Christantus Uche Sparks Comfortable Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without star players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a commanding result that virtually secures them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to secure direct entry to the knockout stages, especially following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Opportunity
This occasion offered a platform for some of Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season proved outmatched even for a largely rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems.
Control Established from the Start
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official dismissed the appeals.
The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were hanging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The match was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered 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 withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for development in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
