Christantus Uche Sparks Straightforward Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne.

Even though entering their maiden European campaign, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Without key figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a commanding win that virtually guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.

A further victory in their next fixture against Finland's KuPS should be sufficient to seal straight passage to the last 16, especially after a previous setback against Strasbourg.

Squad Members Grasp the Moment

This occasion offered a platform for several Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the account with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.

A Shelbourne side that had concluded their league season were outmatched even for a largely second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were already depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee injuries.

Dominance Established from the Outset

In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.

Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the referee dismissed the appeals.

Ex-Arsenal man did not have wait long to find his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's shot had struck the post.

The home side were hanging 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 struck the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.

Pino Seals the Contest

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

After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.

Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also missed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for development in his game.

The only worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who limped 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 traveling side.