π Share this article Uche Fuels Comfortable Crystal Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne. Despite embarking on their maiden European adventure, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel MuΓ±oz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding win that virtually guarantees them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds. Another victory in their upcoming fixture against Finnish KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal direct passage to the knockout stages, particularly after a prior setback against Strasbourg. Squad Members Grasp the Moment This match provided a platform for several Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in succession. The Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a largely second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were already depleted by the reports that Mateta and MuΓ±oz are out with knee injuries. Dominance Established from the Start Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish. Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee dismissed 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. The home side were hanging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for two agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner. Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Game The contest was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0. After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, but saw his shot blocked. The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a glaring chance, indicating 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 traveling side.
Despite embarking on their maiden European adventure, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel MuΓ±oz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding win that virtually guarantees them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds. Another victory in their upcoming fixture against Finnish KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal direct passage to the knockout stages, particularly after a prior setback against Strasbourg. Squad Members Grasp the Moment This match provided a platform for several Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in succession. The Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a largely second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were already depleted by the reports that Mateta and MuΓ±oz are out with knee injuries. Dominance Established from the Start Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish. Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee dismissed 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. The home side were hanging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for two agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner. Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Game The contest was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0. After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, but saw his shot blocked. The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a glaring chance, indicating 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 traveling side.