Uche Ignites Comfortable Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their first-ever continental adventure, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Missing star players 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 victory in their next fixture against Finland's KuPS should be enough to secure straight passage to the knockout stages, particularly after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This match provided a chance for several Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second game in succession.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were outmatched against a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The visitors were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee injuries.
Dominance Established from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, driving a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the official dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still room for improvement in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the traveling side.
