Uche Sparks Straightforward Crystal Palace Win at Shelbourne.

Despite entering their first-ever continental campaign, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Without star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding win that virtually secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.

Another three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to secure straight passage to the last 16, particularly after a previous setback against Strasbourg.

Squad Members Grasp the Moment

This match provided a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a clinical goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second consecutive succession.

A Shelbourne team that had finished their league season were outmatched even for a largely second-string Palace outfit. The visitors were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg problems.

Control Established from the Start

In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple tap-in.

Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, driving a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the official waved away the appeals.

The formerArsenal 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 avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.

Pino Seals the Contest

The contest was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of comically weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.

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

The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for improvement in his game.

The only worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.