Uche Ignites Dominant Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their maiden European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel MuÃąoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding result that virtually secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to seal straight passage to the last 16, particularly following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This occasion offered a chance for some of Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were no match against a largely rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were further depleted by the news that Mateta and MuÃąoz are out with leg injuries.
Control Established from the Start
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee waved away the protests.
The formerArsenal man did not have wait long to find his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's shot had hit the post.
The home side were hanging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only worry 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 night for the traveling side.
