Christantus Uche Sparks Straightforward Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Despite entering their first-ever continental campaign, Crystal Palace are adapting at a rapid pace. Without key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding win that virtually secures them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their next match against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to seal direct entry to the last 16, especially following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This match offered a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, finding the net for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a mostly rotated Palace lineup. The Londoners were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg injuries.
Dominance Established from the Outset
In spite of torrential 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 lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
The home side were hanging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect evening for the traveling side.
