Christantus Uche Ignites Straightforward Palace Triumph at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Despite entering their first-ever continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Missing star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable result that all but secures them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to secure direct entry to the last 16, particularly following a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Opportunity
This match provided a platform for some of Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start after joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season proved no match even for 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 Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
The home side were hanging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Game
The match was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of comically weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
