Christantus Uche Sparks Comfortable Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though entering their first-ever European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Missing star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a comfortable result that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Another victory in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to secure direct entry to the last 16, particularly following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This occasion offered a platform for several Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second consecutive match.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were outmatched even for a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Dominance Established from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
The formerArsenal striker did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Game
The match was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for improvement in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect evening for the traveling side.
