Uche Fuels Comfortable Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their first-ever continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting at a rapid pace. Missing star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that all but secures them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to secure straight entry to the knockout stages, especially after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Opportunity
This occasion provided a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in succession.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season proved outmatched against a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee injuries.
Control Asserted from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed 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, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were hanging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The match was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still room for development in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
