Uche Fuels Comfortable Palace Triumph at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their maiden European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Without star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that all but guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Another three points in their upcoming match against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to seal straight passage to the knockout stages, especially after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Opportunity
This match provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in match.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a largely rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Dominance Asserted from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the official dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's shot had struck the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved 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 seized the opportunity to withdraw key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still room for development in his game.
The only worry 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, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
