Christantus Uche Sparks Straightforward Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Without key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a comfortable result that all but guarantees them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their upcoming fixture against Finland's KuPS should be enough to seal direct passage to the knockout stages, especially after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This occasion offered a platform for several Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their league season proved outmatched against a largely rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Dominance Asserted from the Outset
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, 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.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes before 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 rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for development 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 striker Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the traveling side.
