Uche Fuels Comfortable Crystal Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their first-ever European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting at a rapid pace. Without key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a commanding result 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 setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Opportunity
This match provided a platform for several Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, finding the net for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a largely rotated Palace lineup. The Londoners were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Control Asserted from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the referee waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were hanging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The match was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect evening for the visiting side.
