Christantus Uche Sparks Comfortable Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their maiden European adventure, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Without key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually guarantees them a spot in the Conference League playoffs.
A further three points in their upcoming match against Finnish KuPS should be enough to seal direct passage to the knockout stages, especially following a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This match offered a platform for several Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second game in succession.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their league season were no match even for a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Control Asserted from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Game
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
