Christantus Uche Sparks Straightforward Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Despite entering their first-ever European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Missing key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that all but 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 straight entry to the last 16, particularly following a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This match offered a chance for several Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their league season were no match against a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were already depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
Dominance Established from the Start
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee waved away the protests.
The formerArsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring with his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the traveling side.
