🔗 Share this article Christantus Uche Sparks Comfortable Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne. Even though entering their maiden continental campaign, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Without key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually secures them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds. A further victory in their next match against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to secure direct passage to the knockout stages, especially following a prior stumble against Strasbourg. Fringe Players Seize the Moment This match offered a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second consecutive match. A Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season proved outmatched against a mostly rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg problems. Dominance Asserted from the Outset In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish. Youngster Adam Wharton came close minutes later, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official dismissed the protests. The formerArsenal striker 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 desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner. Pino Wraps Up the Game The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0. Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, only to see his shot blocked. Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a glaring 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 was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.
Even though entering their maiden continental campaign, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Without key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually secures them a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds. A further victory in their next match against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to secure direct passage to the knockout stages, especially following a prior stumble against Strasbourg. Fringe Players Seize the Moment This match offered a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second consecutive match. A Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season proved outmatched against a mostly rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg problems. Dominance Asserted from the Outset In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward finish. Youngster Adam Wharton came close minutes later, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official dismissed the protests. The formerArsenal striker 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 desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a header from a corner. Pino Wraps Up the Game The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0. Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his first touch, only to see his shot blocked. Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a glaring 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 was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.