Christantus Uche Sparks Comfortable Crystal Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Missing star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding win that all but secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further victory in their upcoming match against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure direct passage to the last 16, especially after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, finding the net for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their league season proved outmatched against a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems.
Control Asserted from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the referee dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal striker didn't need to wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still room for development in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the traveling side.
