Uche Ignites Comfortable Crystal Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without star players like forward 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.
Another three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal direct entry to the last 16, particularly following a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Opportunity
This occasion provided a platform for several Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second consecutive match.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their league season were outmatched against a largely rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were already weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Control Asserted from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. 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 minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee waved away the protests.
The formerArsenal striker didn't need to wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's shot 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 tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
