Uche Ignites Comfortable Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.

Even though entering their maiden continental campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are learning at a rapid pace. Without key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable win that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League playoffs.

A further three points in their upcoming fixture against Finland's KuPS should be sufficient to secure direct entry to the knockout stages, especially after a previous setback against Strasbourg.

Fringe Players Seize the Moment

This match offered a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second start after joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second consecutive match.

The Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a mostly rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.

Control Established from the Start

In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.

Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official waved away the protests.

The formerArsenal man did not have wait long to get his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's effort had struck the post.

The home side were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for two agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.

Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Game

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

Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his first touch, but saw his effort blocked.

Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for improvement in his game.

A solitary concern for Palace was a late injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.