π Share this article Christantus Uche Ignites Straightforward Palace Triumph at Shelbourne. Despite entering their first-ever continental adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting at a rapid pace. Without star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel MuΓ±oz, the London club departed Dublin with a comfortable win that all but secures them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds. A further three points in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to seal direct passage to the last 16, especially after a prior stumble against Strasbourg. Fringe Players Grasp the Moment This match provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, finding the net for the second game in succession. The Shelbourne side that had concluded their domestic season proved no match against a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and MuΓ±oz are out with knee problems. Control Asserted from the Start In spite of heavy 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 tap-in. Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official dismissed the protests. Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post. Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner. Pino Wraps Up the Contest The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0. After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked. The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room 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 striker Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the traveling side.
Despite entering their first-ever continental adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting at a rapid pace. Without star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel MuΓ±oz, the London club departed Dublin with a comfortable win that all but secures them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds. A further three points in their upcoming match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to seal direct passage to the last 16, especially after a prior stumble against Strasbourg. Fringe Players Grasp the Moment This match provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, finding the net for the second game in succession. The Shelbourne side that had concluded their domestic season proved no match against a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and MuΓ±oz are out with knee problems. Control Asserted from the Start In spite of heavy 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 tap-in. Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official dismissed the protests. Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post. Shelbourne were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner. Pino Wraps Up the Contest The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0. After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, but saw his effort blocked. The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room 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 striker Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the traveling side.