Uche Fuels Straightforward Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Despite entering their maiden continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Without star players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a commanding win that virtually guarantees them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their upcoming fixture against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to secure straight entry to the knockout stages, particularly following a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This match provided a platform for several Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second consecutive succession.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were no match even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The Londoners were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg injuries.
Dominance Asserted from the Start
Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to find his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's effort had hit the post.
Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, indicating there is still scope for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.