Uche Sparks Comfortable Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Missing key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually guarantees them a spot in the Conference League playoffs.
A further victory in their next match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to secure direct entry to the last 16, especially after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Opportunity
This occasion offered a chance for some of Palace's fringe players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second consecutive match.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were no match against a largely rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
Dominance Established from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, driving a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's shot had hit the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
