Christantus Uche Fuels Comfortable Crystal Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden continental adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Without star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding result that all but secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
A further victory in their upcoming fixture against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to seal direct passage to the last 16, particularly after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for some of Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were outmatched against a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
Control Asserted from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a powerful 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 weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a sitter of a chance, indicating 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 forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
