Uche Fuels Straightforward Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Despite entering their maiden continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting at a rapid pace. Missing key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a commanding win that virtually guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Another victory in their next fixture against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal straight entry to the last 16, particularly after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This occasion offered a platform for some of Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, finding the net for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season proved no match against a mostly rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were already weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Dominance Asserted from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy 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 keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
