Christantus Uche Ignites Comfortable Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Despite entering their maiden European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Missing key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that all but guarantees them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
A further three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to secure direct entry to the last 16, especially following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season proved outmatched against a largely rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were already depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems.
Dominance Asserted from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal 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. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still room for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the traveling side.
