Uche Fuels Comfortable Palace Win at Shelbourne.

Even though embarking on their maiden continental campaign, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Missing star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a commanding result that all but guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.

A further three points in their next match against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure straight passage to the knockout stages, especially after a previous setback against Strasbourg.

Fringe Players Grasp the Moment

This match provided a platform for several Palace's lesser-used talent to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second game in match.

A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a largely second-string Palace outfit. The visitors were already depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee injuries.

Dominance Asserted from the Start

In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.

Youngster Adam Wharton came close minutes later, fizzing a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official waved away the protests.

Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.

Shelbourne were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.

Pino Seals the Game

The match was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.

After the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.

Esse was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.

A solitary concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.