Uche Ignites Comfortable Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their maiden continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Missing star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a commanding win that virtually secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS should be sufficient to seal straight entry to the knockout stages, especially after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This match offered a platform for some of Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
The Shelbourne team that had concluded their domestic season proved outmatched even for a largely second-string Palace outfit. The visitors were already depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg injuries.
Control Asserted from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal man did not have wait long to find 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 avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
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 calmly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
