Christantus Uche Fuels Dominant Crystal Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Despite entering their maiden continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting at a rapid pace. Without star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS should be sufficient to secure direct passage to the last 16, especially after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This match provided a platform for some of Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne team that had concluded their league season proved outmatched even for a mostly second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee injuries.
Dominance Asserted from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
Esse 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, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a late injury 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 perfect night for the traveling side.
