Uche Fuels Dominant Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden European adventure, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Missing star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding result that virtually secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to secure direct passage to the knockout stages, particularly following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This match provided a platform for several Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were outmatched against a mostly rotated Palace lineup. The Londoners were already weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Control Established from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee waved away the appeals.
The formerArsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get 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 lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Game
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring with his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then 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, capping an otherwise perfect night for the traveling side.
