Christantus Uche Fuels Dominant Palace Win at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their first-ever European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting at a rapid pace. Without star players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a commanding win that all but guarantees them a place in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
A further three points in their next fixture against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to seal direct entry to the knockout stages, especially following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second game in succession.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a largely second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Dominance Asserted from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee waved away the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck 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 rattled the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.
