Uche Ignites Comfortable Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Without key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a commanding win that virtually secures them a spot in the Conference League playoffs.
A further victory in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS ought to be sufficient to secure straight passage to the knockout stages, especially after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Opportunity
This match offered a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to impress. 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 consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne side that had concluded their league season were outmatched even for a largely second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems.
Control Asserted from the Outset
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
The formerArsenal man did not have wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's shot had hit the post.
The home side were hanging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Pino Wraps Up the Game
The match was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring with his first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still room for development in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect evening for the visiting side.
