Uche Sparks Straightforward Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden European campaign, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Without star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually secures them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their next fixture against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to seal direct passage to the last 16, particularly after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This match offered a platform for some of Palace's fringe talent to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne team that had concluded their domestic season proved no match against a mostly second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
Control Established from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee waved away the protests.
The formerArsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's shot had hit the post.
The home side were hanging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still room for development in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect evening for the visiting side.
