Uche Sparks Straightforward Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Despite entering their maiden continental adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are learning at a rapid pace. Without star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a commanding result that all but guarantees them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their upcoming fixture against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to secure straight passage to the last 16, especially following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Opportunity
This match provided a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne side that had concluded their league season were no match against a largely rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were already depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg problems.
Control Established from the Outset
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official waved away the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range 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 a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Game
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then missed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still room for improvement 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 make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.
