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CRYSTAL PALACE'S European adventure is set to continue after they departed from rainy Dublin with a Conference League knockout spot nearly secured.
The dedicated Eagles fans have already traveled to Norway, Poland, France, and Ireland, and can now anticipate at least one more stamp in their passports.
Christantus Uche scored his first goal for the club tonight in what was an impressive victory for the EaglesCredit: PA
The Eagles were the superior team on the night and deserved their resounding victoryCredit: Getty
A draw in their final group match against the Slovenians KPS Kuopio will propel them into the later stages of European football for the first time in the club's history.
This is another significant milestone in their joyous journey under Oliver Glasner.
Despite contending with a heavy pitch and enduring even heavier challenges, Glasner's squad made light work of the Irish side Shelbourne.
Palace's 1,800 supporters in the South Stand of the Tallaght Stadium cheered summer signing Christantus Uche as he scored his first goal for the club.
The Nigerian was joined on the scoresheet by Eddie Nketiah and Yeremy Pino.
Glasner has been frustrated by the two losses his team, who remain strong favorites to win the competition, have faced thus far – but they avoided another upset with ease here.
Uche, making his first start since joining on loan from Getafe in the summer, could not have asked for a more straightforward opportunity to open his account.
Daichi Kamada, a European trophy winner under Glasner at Eintracht Frankfurt, set up Nketiah on the left, who then perfectly squared the ball for Uche to finish.
The attacking midfielder came very close to a second goal 15 minutes later, nudging Pino's clipped pass onto the post and inadvertently assisting Nketiah, who bundled the ball home.
Hosts Shelbourne, managed by former Bolton and West Ham defender Joey O’Brien, have yet to score in this competition.
They were never a threat here and at times resorted to rough tactics against the Palace players they could reach.
Full-back Kameron Ledwidge had given Pino quite the treatment with two lunging tackles, only being penalized for the second.
Pino took his revenge in spectacular style.
Receiving the ball from Kamada just inside the Shelbourne half, the agile Spaniard surged towards goal, dodging past Ledwidge before cutting onto his right and firing low into the corner.
Glasner's main concern heading to Dublin was ensuring his already limited squad stayed clear of further injuries.
Pino, Kamada, and Adam Wharton were all substituted at halftime, with Nketiah also being replaced early in the second half.
Palace's No. 9 has yet to fully thrive since joining the club for £30 million last year, but he may now get the opportunity to showcase his skills with Jean-Philippe Mateta sidelined.
The flurry of goals in the first half was slowed by the substitutions, but they should have added two more easily.
Substitute Romaine Esse saw his shot hit the inside of both posts before Uche blasted over from close range.
Despite the missed opportunities, Palace were more than comfortable, allowing Glasner to give a senior debut to 17-year-old striker Benji Casey.
FAQs
What is the significance of Crystal Palace's recent performances in the Conference League?
Crystal Palace's recent performances mark a historic moment for the club as they aim to reach the knockout stage of the Conference League for the first time in their history.
Who were the standout players in the recent match against Shelbourne?
The standout players included Christantus Uche, who scored his first goal, as well as Eddie Nketiah and Yeremy Pino, who also contributed to the scoring.
What challenges did Crystal Palace face during the match?
Crystal Palace faced challenges such as a heavy pitch and rough play from the Shelbourne players, but they managed to maintain control and secure a comfortable victory.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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