🔗 Share this article Christantus Uche Sparks Comfortable Palace Victory at Shelbourne. Even though embarking on their first-ever European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting at a rapid pace. Without star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding result that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds. A further victory in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure direct passage to the last 16, particularly following a previous stumble against Strasbourg. Fringe Players Seize the Moment This occasion provided a platform for several Palace's fringe players to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in succession. A Shelbourne side that had concluded their domestic season were outmatched against a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems. Dominance Asserted from the Outset Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in. Youngster Adam Wharton came close soon after, driving a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee waved away the appeals. Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's shot had struck the post. Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner. Yeremy Pino Seals the Game The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0. Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, only to see his effort blocked. Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for improvement in his game. A solitary worry for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the traveling side.
Even though embarking on their first-ever European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting at a rapid pace. Without star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding result that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds. A further victory in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure direct passage to the last 16, particularly following a previous stumble against Strasbourg. Fringe Players Seize the Moment This occasion provided a platform for several Palace's fringe players to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in succession. A Shelbourne side that had concluded their domestic season were outmatched against a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems. Dominance Asserted from the Outset Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in. Youngster Adam Wharton came close soon after, driving a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee waved away the appeals. Ex-Arsenal striker did not have wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's shot had struck the post. Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner. Yeremy Pino Seals the Game The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0. Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, only to see his effort blocked. Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for improvement in his game. A solitary worry for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the traveling side.