"This might be Crystal Palace's first-ever European campaign but they are learning very quickly. Having arrived in Dublin missing some of their big-hitters including the star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and the marauding wing-back Daniel Munoz, they left with a comfortable victory that means they are virtually assured of a place in the Conference League playoffs. Another three points against the Finnish side KuPS as part of their marathon December in which Oliver Glasners's side play eight matches in three separate competitions should be"
"But this was an occasion for some of Palace's fringe players to shine as Christantus Uche capped only his second start since joining on an initial loan from Getafe in the summer with a well-taken goal and Eddie Nketiah scored for the second game in succession. A Shelbourne side that finished their domestic season last month were no match even for a largely second-string Palace, who had only 15 senior outfield players available following the news that Mateta and Munoz are sidelined with knee injuries."
"Thankfully, there was no repeat of the unsavoury scenes in France when a minority of Palace fans were fighting among themselves before kick-off, although there was a banner behind the goal that read Kick racists out of Palace. Heavy rain in the Irish capital greeted the 1,800 who had made the trip from south London, with the game being held at Shamrock Rovers' Tallaght Stadium because Shelbourne's Tolka Park does not meet Uefa requirements."
Crystal Palace secured a comfortable win in Dublin that leaves them almost certain of a place in the Conference League playoffs. The squad was missing key players Jean-Philippe Mateta and Daniel Munoz through knee injuries, forcing rotation and reliance on fringe players. Christantus Uche scored in his second start and Eddie Nketiah scored again as Palace dominated a Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season. Only 15 senior outfield Palace players were available. The match, played in heavy rain at Tallaght Stadium, attracted 1,800 travelling Palace fans and featured a banner reading 'Kick racists out of Palace.'
Read at www.theguardian.com
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