Uche Ignites Straightforward Crystal Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Despite entering their maiden European adventure, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Without star players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a commanding win that all but secures them a spot in the Conference League playoffs.
Another three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to seal direct entry to the last 16, particularly following a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Opportunity
This match provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second consecutive match.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season proved no match against a largely rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg problems.
Control Established from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's shot had hit the post.
The home side were hanging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Game
The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
