Uche Fuels Comfortable Crystal Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden continental campaign, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Without key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS should be sufficient to secure straight passage to the last 16, particularly following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Moment
This match offered a platform for several Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were outmatched against a largely rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Control Established from the Outset
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close soon after, driving a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal man did not have wait long to get his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's shot had hit the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still room for development in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the traveling side.