Christantus Uche Sparks Dominant Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their first-ever European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a commanding win that all but secures them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further victory in their next match against Finland's KuPS should be sufficient to seal direct passage to the last 16, particularly after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Opportunity
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's fringe players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their league season proved no match even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Dominance Asserted from the Outset
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, driving a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had hit the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape 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 Game
The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
