Christantus Uche Fuels Straightforward Crystal Palace Victory at Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their first-ever European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without star players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a commanding win that virtually secures them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their next match against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to seal straight entry to the knockout stages, particularly after a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Moment
This match provided a chance for several Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second consecutive match.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season proved no match against a largely rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee injuries.
Control Established from the Outset
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then missed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect evening for the visiting side.