Christantus Uche Fuels Straightforward Crystal Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Despite entering their first-ever European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding result that all but guarantees them a place in the Conference League playoffs.
A further three points in their upcoming fixture against Finnish KuPS should be enough to seal straight passage to the knockout stages, particularly after a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne team that had concluded their domestic season were no match against a mostly rotated Palace lineup. The Londoners were already depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Control Established from the Start
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing 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, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had hit the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for two agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also missed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the traveling side.
