🔗 Share this article Christantus Uche Ignites Straightforward Palace Victory at Shelbourne. Even though embarking on their maiden European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Without star players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds. Another three points in their upcoming match against Finnish KuPS should be enough to secure straight entry to the last 16, particularly after a previous setback against Strasbourg. Fringe Players Grasp the Moment This match provided a platform for some of Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a clinical goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in succession. The Shelbourne side that had concluded their league season proved outmatched even for a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg injuries. Dominance Asserted from the Start In spite of torrential 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 tap-in. Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee dismissed the appeals. The formerArsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post. The home side were clinging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner. Pino Seals the Game The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of 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 rest key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, but saw his effort blocked. The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game. A solitary concern for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.
Even though embarking on their maiden European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Without star players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds. Another three points in their upcoming match against Finnish KuPS should be enough to secure straight entry to the last 16, particularly after a previous setback against Strasbourg. Fringe Players Grasp the Moment This match provided a platform for some of Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after joining on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a clinical goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in succession. The Shelbourne side that had concluded their league season proved outmatched even for a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg injuries. Dominance Asserted from the Start In spite of torrential 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 tap-in. Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee dismissed the appeals. The formerArsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post. The home side were clinging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner. Pino Seals the Game The match was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of 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 rest key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, but saw his effort blocked. The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game. A solitary concern for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the visiting side.