🔗 Share this article Christantus Uche Sparks Comfortable Crystal Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne. Despite entering their first-ever continental adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Without key figures like forward 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 three points in their next match against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to secure straight entry to the last 16, especially after a prior setback against Strasbourg. Squad Members Grasp the Opportunity This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second game in succession. A Shelbourne team that had concluded their domestic season proved no match even for a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee injuries. Dominance Established from the Start Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish. Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee waved away the appeals. Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's shot had struck the post. The home side were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate 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 Contest The contest was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly slotting 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 individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked. Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game. The only concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
Despite entering their first-ever continental adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Without key figures like forward 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 three points in their next match against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to secure straight entry to the last 16, especially after a prior setback against Strasbourg. Squad Members Grasp the Opportunity This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second game in succession. A Shelbourne team that had concluded their domestic season proved no match even for a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee injuries. Dominance Established from the Start Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish. Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee waved away the appeals. Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's shot had struck the post. The home side were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate 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 Contest The contest was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly slotting 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 individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked. Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game. The only concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.