Christantus Uche Fuels Straightforward Crystal Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their maiden European adventure, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Without star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable win that all but secures them a spot in the Conference League playoffs.
A further three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS should be sufficient to secure direct passage to the knockout stages, especially following a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season proved no match against a largely second-string Palace outfit. The visitors were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee injuries.
Dominance Established from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's shot had hit the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for two robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar 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 a series of weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for improvement in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
