Christantus Uche Ignites Straightforward Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Despite entering their maiden continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without key figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a commanding result that virtually secures them a place in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Another three points in their next fixture against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to seal direct entry to the knockout stages, especially after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their league season proved no match against a mostly second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were further weakened by the reports 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 slick move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some weak challenges before coolly dispatching 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. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
