Uche Sparks Straightforward Palace Triumph at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their first-ever European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Missing key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that virtually secures them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to seal straight entry to the last 16, especially following a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second consecutive match.
The Shelbourne team that had concluded their domestic season were no match even for a largely second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Dominance Established from the Outset
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A slick move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the official waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to find his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's shot had struck the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some 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 rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a glaring chance, showing there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect evening for the traveling side.