Crystal Palace strengthened their chances of securing a place in the last 16 of the Conference League with a dominant 3-0 victory over Shelbourne in Dublin. First-half goals from Christantus Uche, Eddie Nketiah and Yeremy Pino left Oliver Glasner's side in complete control by the interval, with the only surprise being that they failed to add to their tally after the break.
The win lifted Palace to ninth in the league phase, just a point off the coveted top-eight finish that would send them straight through. They now need only a point at home to Finnish side KuPS next Thursday to guarantee at least a play-off berth. Shelbourne, who have one point from five matches, are heading for European elimination and remain yet to score in the competition.
Slick passing puts Palace in command
It did not take long for Palace to establish their dominance despite the slippery surface caused by heavy rain in the Irish capital. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to lay the ball on a plate for Uche, who made no mistake with an excellent finish into the far corner on only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe.