Christantus Uche Sparks Comfortable Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their first-ever European adventure, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Without key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable win that all but secures them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next match against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure straight passage to the last 16, especially following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Opportunity
This match offered a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne side that had concluded their domestic season were no match even for a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were already weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems.
Control Established from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly 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.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still room for development in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
