Christantus Uche Fuels Straightforward Crystal Palace Triumph at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever continental campaign, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually secures them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their upcoming fixture against Finland's KuPS should be enough to secure direct entry to the last 16, particularly following a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This match provided a chance for some of Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne team that had concluded their domestic season were outmatched even for a mostly rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg problems.
Control Asserted from the Outset
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to find his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Game
The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive evening for the traveling side.
