Christantus Uche Sparks Straightforward Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting at a rapid pace. Without star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel MuÃąoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually secures them a place in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
A further three points in their next fixture against Finland's KuPS should be enough to secure straight passage to the knockout stages, particularly after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Opportunity
This match offered a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second game in succession.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their league season were outmatched against a mostly second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and MuÃąoz are out with leg problems.
Control Asserted from the Outset
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the referee dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The match was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the traveling side.
