Uche Sparks Straightforward Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Despite entering their first-ever European adventure, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Without star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually secures them a place in the Conference League playoffs.
Another three points in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to seal straight entry to the last 16, particularly after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second start after joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their league season proved no match against a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems.
Control Established from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official waved away the appeals.
The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
