Uche Sparks Straightforward Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Without key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a commanding win that virtually secures them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to secure straight entry to the knockout stages, especially following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This occasion offered a chance for some of Palace's fringe players to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, finding the net for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne side that had concluded their league season were no match against a largely rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were already depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
Dominance Asserted from the Outset
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A slick move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, driving a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The match was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect evening for the visiting side.
