Christantus Uche Ignites Comfortable Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are learning at a rapid pace. Without key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that all but guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Another victory in their next fixture against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to seal straight entry to the last 16, especially following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Opportunity
This occasion provided a platform for some of Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start after joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their league season proved no match even for a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Dominance Established from the Start
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope 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 earn his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect evening for the traveling side.