Uche Sparks Straightforward Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden European adventure, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Missing key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that all but guarantees them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their upcoming fixture against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to seal straight passage to the knockout stages, especially following a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Opportunity
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a largely rotated Palace lineup. The Londoners were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Control Asserted from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed 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 subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring his very 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 glaring chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise perfect evening for the traveling side.
