🔗 Share this article Christantus Uche Sparks Comfortable Crystal Palace Victory at Shelbourne. Despite entering their maiden European 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 commanding result that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds. A further three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to secure direct entry to the last 16, especially after a prior setback against Strasbourg. Squad Members Grasp the Opportunity This match provided a platform for some of Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second game in succession. A Shelbourne side that had concluded their domestic season proved outmatched even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems. Control Asserted from the Start In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish. Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, driving a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official dismissed the appeals. The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post. Shelbourne were hanging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner. Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Game The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0. After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked. The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game. A solitary worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect evening for the traveling side.
Despite entering their maiden European 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 commanding result that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds. A further three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to secure direct entry to the last 16, especially after a prior setback against Strasbourg. Squad Members Grasp the Opportunity This match provided a platform for some of Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second game in succession. A Shelbourne side that had concluded their domestic season proved outmatched even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems. Control Asserted from the Start In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish. Midfielder Adam Wharton came close minutes later, driving a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official dismissed the appeals. The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post. Shelbourne were hanging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner. Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Game The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0. After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked. The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game. A solitary worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect evening for the traveling side.