Uche Sparks Comfortable Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their first-ever European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Missing key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a commanding win that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to seal straight passage to the knockout stages, particularly after a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This match provided a platform for several Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, finding the net for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were no match against a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg injuries.
Dominance Asserted from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man did not have wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky 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 Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper 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 almost scoring with his very first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect evening for the visiting side.
