Christantus Uche Fuels Dominant Crystal Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their maiden European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning at a rapid pace. Missing key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a commanding win that virtually guarantees them a place in the Conference League playoffs.
A further three points in their next match against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure direct passage to the last 16, especially following a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This match offered a chance for several Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were outmatched even for a mostly rotated Palace lineup. The Londoners were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Dominance Established from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A slick move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close minutes later, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the official waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were hanging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a glaring 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 paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive evening for the traveling side.
